There is a hole in "the bubble"

[The Buckeyes]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

[Allegiance]

I thought this was going to be yet another thread on the adult children living in the villages.

We love the gates, hope yours gets fixed soon.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

Insouciant

[mixsonci]

Doesn't the Pinellas Gate have a "human" manning that gate?

[Taltarzac725]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

Actually a person at the gate might be better as a deterrent. Are there not security cameras up? They seems to be a lot more of them around as you go south in the Villages.

[redwitch]

I've never considered the gates to be more than a marginal traffic control, which I appreciate when in a golf cart, not so much in a car. Living near the Hemingway gate has gotten me pretty used to inoperable gates -- think this gate is down every other week at the very least. So, I doubt I'd be all that concerned if a gate's security features weren't working. Sorry.

[Taltarzac725]

I've never considered the gates to be more than a marginal traffic control, which I appreciate when in a golf cart, not so much in a car. Living near the Hemingway gate has gotten me pretty used to inoperable gates -- think this gate is down every other week at the very least. So, I doubt I'd be all that concerned if a gate's security features weren't working. Sorry.

The gates by the Belvedere Library seem off quite often as well.

[Bogie Shooter]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

How I would feel? Put on my big boy pants and quit worrying.

[Henryk]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

OP, in my opinion, you'll get a response if you call Customer Service at 753-4508 and complain. Insist.

PS: I have noticed that the gate arms at Hadley have a label on them that says "Hadley." But I completely agree they must have spares.

[graciegirl]

I've never considered the gates to be more than a marginal traffic control, which I appreciate when in a golf cart, not so much in a car. Living near the Hemingway gate has gotten me pretty used to inoperable gates -- think this gate is down every other week at the very least. So, I doubt I'd be all that concerned if a gate's security features weren't working. Sorry.

I so agree.

[photo1902]

I so agree.

:clap2:

[photo1902]

How I would feel? Put on my big boy pants and quit worrying.

:bigbow:

[rubicon]

traffic gates, round abouts, speeding golf carts, rude people drive some residents nuts:D

[rjm1cc]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

I think the local bad guys know the gates are open to the public.

Can anyone recall any crimes being solved due to the cameras?

[graciegirl]

I think the local bad guys know the gates are open to the public.

Can anyone recall any crimes being solved due to the cameras?

Yes. When the manhunt was on for alleged Orlando murderer, Markeith Loyd, there was a woman in a tee shirt that said sheriff going door to door saying she needed to search homes. She was a fake. They picked her up from the camera surveillance here in The Villages, let her out, and she did it again the next day!

[Villageswimmer]

Yes. When the manhunt was on for alleged Orlando murderer, Markeith Loyd, there was a woman in a tee shirt that said sheriff going door to door saying she needed to search homes. She was a fake. They picked her up from the camera surveillance here in The Villages, let her out, and she did it again the next day!


Yes. I attended a talk recently by Lt. Siemer. There have been numerous cases where the bad guys were caught because a photo is taken of every license plate. The gates/cameras play a very important role.

[ColdNoMore]

Big Brother is watching.

[Mrs. Robinson]

If anyone has a sense of security because we have gates, it is a false sense of security.
All the bad guys already know the gates are not a deterrent of any kind and that the streets are not private.

I might add that this false sense of security cost us well over a million dollars a year.
Maybe that will make those who think the gates are terrific feel better.

[Bogie Shooter]

If anyone has a sense of security because we have gates, it is a false sense of security.
All the bad guys already know the gates are not a deterrent of any kind and that the streets are not private.

I might add that this false sense of security cost us well over a million dollars a year.
Maybe that will make those who think the gates are terrific feel better.

Get rid of the gates, what will you do about all the golf carts being struck by cars?

[JoMar]

Most of the folks that hate the gates only use golf carts for golf.

[kcrazorbackfan]

I realize that roads inside The Villages are public but, it does give you a sense of safety and security having a card reader, entry gate, and camera. These items have been missing from the Village of Pinellas entrance from 466A for nearly a month!!! With all the villages don't you think they would have spare parts!
I called community watch and a work order was put in to fix the problem on JUNE 27TH. How would you feel if this problem existed in your village? :cus:

Do you really think the gates keep out the trash and riffraff? If you do, get ready for some major disappointment. Anyone, ANYONE can get in by just pushing the red button at the entrance to the gates (or, in your case, just driving thru). How do you think all the landscapers, service companies and, here it comes, PIZZA DELIVERY DRIVERS get to homes in TV? They sure all don't have swipe cards.

[Shbullet]

How I would feel? Put on my big boy pants and quit worrying.

ooo

[dillywho]

If anyone has a sense of security because we have gates, it is a false sense of security.
All the bad guys already know the gates are not a deterrent of any kind and that the streets are not private.

I might add that this false sense of security cost us well over a million dollars a year.
Maybe that will make those who think the gates are terrific feel better.

Watch the news! Bad guys do bad things all the time in the "truly gated", private communities. We were never told that the gates provided ANY security in The Villages, and we moved here in 2004. The first murder I remember here was because they were invited in by the residents' daughter (her druggie friends). Being truly gated would not have prevented that one, either.

[Carl in Tampa]

If anyone has a sense of security because we have gates, it is a false sense of security.
All the bad guys already know the gates are not a deterrent of any kind and that the streets are not private.

I might add that this false sense of security cost us well over a million dollars a year.
Maybe that will make those who think the gates are terrific feel better.

Gates are effective in causing the traffic into and out of the individual villages to slow down so that good pictures of the automobiles, license plate numbers, and (often) occupants, can be taken. (Yes, some cameras are sensitive even in low light, or are even capable of taking photos in the dark.)

There is no way to quantify how many bad guys are deterred from entering the individual villages for fear of the cameras, but we do know that some crimes are solved by reviewing the video tapes.

And, here is a developing trend. More and more private security facilities are utilizing face recognition technology, which also is a growing concern for criminals. Imagine a time when a known criminal drives through a village entrance and face recognition software sets off an alarm that notifies Crime Watch or the Sheriff's Office of his presence.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa uses facial recognition software and their police arrest people who re-enter the facility after being given a trespass warning.

It is estimated that the FBI presently has over one half of all the people in the United States in their facial recognition data base, a fact that they do not advertise. Rather than have only the photos of known criminals in this data base, they have entered into agreements with many states to add every person in the state who obtains a driver's license or a state identification card.

Big Brother is getting ever more intrusive.

[Barefoot]

Can anyone recall any crimes being solved due to the cameras?
Yes, in more than one instance.

[The Buckeyes]

How I would feel? Put on my big boy pants and quit worrying.
Your big boy pants might get a little wet when you start to see vehicles moving slowly past your residence with the only thing holding the bumpers on is duct tape.

[Bogie Shooter]

Your big boy pants might get a little wet when you start to see vehicles moving slowly past your residence with the only thing holding the bumpers on is duct tape.

What the h#%^ does this mean?

[Taltarzac725]

Gates are effective in causing the traffic into and out of the individual villages to slow down so that good pictures of the automobiles, license plate numbers, and (often) occupants, can be taken. (Yes, some cameras are sensitive even in low light, or are even capable of taking photos in the dark.)

There is no way to quantify how many bad guys are deterred from entering the individual villages for fear of the cameras, but we do know that some crimes are solved by reviewing the video tapes.

And, here is a developing trend. More and more private security facilities are utilizing face recognition technology, which also is a growing concern for criminals. Imagine a time when a known criminal drives through a village entrance and face recognition software sets off an alarm that notifies Crime Watch or the Sheriff's Office of his presence.

The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa uses facial recognition software and their police arrest people who re-enter the facility after being given a trespass warning.

It is estimated that the FBI presently has over one half of all the people in the United States in their facial recognition data base, a fact that they do not advertise. Rather than have only the photos of known criminals in this data base, they have entered into agreements with many states to add every person in the state who obtains a driver's license or a state identification card.

Big Brother is getting ever more intrusive.

Big Brother is welcome in some instances.

[GolfGirl122]

Good post Carl in Tampa - the gates just may keep out individuals who are looking for trouble - they may not know about the red button, but since they most likely do, the cameras may deter them from entering or provide a timeline for the Police when needed. I appreciate the gates, the cameras, the gate attendants, the roundabouts, the Ambassadors, and anyone and anything that contributes to making this the best place to live.

[justjim]

Yes. I attended a talk recently by Lt. Siemer. There have been numerous cases where the bad guys were caught because a photo is taken of every license plate. The gates/cameras play a very important role.

I totally agree. The gate cameras might be the "best" security we have in TV. I'm for more of them.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Watch the news! Bad guys do bad things all the time in the "truly gated", private communities. We were never told that the gates provided ANY security in The Villages, and we moved here in 2004. The first murder I remember here was because they were invited in by the residents' daughter (her druggie friends). Being truly gated would not have prevented that one, either.

The real fact is that there is more crime in gated communities than non-gated.

The reason?

It is assumed that because homes in gated communities are generally, more expensive,
the bad guys have a better choice of more expensive items such as electronics, jewelry, etc.

You are correct that none of us was given any promise of security from the gates,
but the sales people cleverly place the thought in the heads of perspective buyers.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Get rid of the gates, what will you do about all the golf carts being struck by cars?

Well -- let's see . . .

Flashing amber lights could be installed where all the carts merge into the vehicular lanes, hoping the cars let the carts go first, or

Put graphic photos on the front page of the Daily Sun so that it shows what can happen to you if you try to beat out a car, or

Require all golf cart drivers to wait their turn at the Villages Hospital Emergency Room so they have an idea about the care they might get, or

Golf carts should rush into the lane of traffic in front of a car and then brake so they can get hit from the rear.
Then they will get paid for a totaled golf cart and will be able to buy a new one -- if they live, or

Remove all the cart paths so the golf carts will have to drive with the cars & trucks and make them slow down, or

Have a mandatory one hour wait before an ambulance or cop can respond to an accident.
Then the person(s) would die.

See? Problem solved!
:girlneener:

[RedBaron]

[QUOTE=rjm1cc;1426676]I think the local bad guys know the gates are open to the public.

:agree: When a visitor can simply "push a red button" to enter into the community, there is no safety mechanism. Also it's too easy to break the gate arm and enter in if you can't get in the "normal" way. No one will protect your property like you will.

[Allegiance]

The real fact is that there is more crime in gated communities than non-gated.

The reason?

It is assumed that because homes in gated communities are generally, more expensive,
the bad guys have a better choice of more expensive items such as electronics, jewelry, etc.

You are correct that none of us was given any promise of security from the gates,
but the sales people cleverly place the thought in the heads of perspective buyers.That would be a fascinating fact, except for the fact that it's not true.

The only study to ever conclude that was of gated communities in South Africa.

[Mrs. Robinson]

That would be a fascinating fact, except for the fact that it's not true.

The only study to ever conclude that was of gated communities in South Africa.

I can't speak for "studies," because I can't believe anyone would ever pay for a study such as you mentioned. "Studies" aren't free.

However, it may not hold water everywhere, but in many areas, and I'm speaking about more affluent places, it does hold true that there are more break-ins in gated communities.
Furthermore, most of them happen during the day and they are attributed to delivery and service people being in and out of the communities.

[ditka41]

For "first-time intruders" perhaps prominent signage advising them "CAMERAS ARE RECORDING YOU" would encourage them to stay on the county roads rather than entering our neighborhoods? Probably not when they can clearly see the lack of a live guard and the fragile gate arms. The pathetic security issue was not explained at all when we were looking and too excited to question that. Our sales people were careful to ignore the facts regarding the lack of security, in retrospect. It is a false security image but I agree with the usefulness of the cameras for recording entries, helping carts cross the street and helping control traffic speeds. Signs warning that cameras are in use might be a low cost method to discourage some criminals. ---Before the usual snide comments, FYI: ---Although I do not like the current system, I have no intention of moving because of it, but could have elected elsewhere if it had been made clear.

[Barefoot]

I've many times seen cars pull a U-turn rather than approach the main gate off CR 466 on Belvedere Blvd.
So I think the gates do act as a deterrent in some cases.
Many smart residents have commented they didn't figure out that TV isn't a gated community until after they purchased a home.
So maybe the bad guys won't figure it out either. :shrug:

[Allegiance]

I can't speak for "studies," because I can't believe anyone would ever pay for a study such as you mentioned. "Studies" aren't free.

However, it may not hold water everywhere, but in many areas, and I'm speaking about more affluent places, it does hold true that there are more break-ins in gated communities.
Furthermore, most of them happen during the day and they are attributed to delivery and service people being in and out of the communities.There are studies and they all (exept the south african study) show gated communities has less crime. Sometimes only slightly less.

However, there are other studies that show people who live in gated communities report crime more often. Concluding that gates really decrease crime more than the studies actually show.

[twoplanekid]

There are studies and they all (exept the south african study) show gated communities has less crime. Sometimes only slightly less.

However, there are other studies that show people who live in gated communities report crime more often. Concluding that gates really decrease crime more than the studies actually show.

Read this study and then decide http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5184&context=etd

[Carl in Tampa]

The real fact is that there is more crime in gated communities than non-gated.

The reason?

It is assumed that because homes in gated communities are generally, more expensive,
the bad guys have a better choice of more expensive items such as electronics, jewelry, etc.

You are correct that none of us was given any promise of security from the gates,
but the sales people cleverly place the thought in the heads of perspective buyers.

So, your conclusion would be that The Villages has less crime because it is not a true "gated community?"

O.K. ....................... :popcorn:

[Allegiance]

Any gate is better than no gate

[nututv]

I don't believe any gate has ever stopped an act from happening. Seems the camera has helped catch the bad guy after the deed but the gate has only caused an inconvenience.

[jalopy54]

Doesn't the Pinellas Gate have a "human" manning that gate?
No, it does not have an attendent.

[jalopy54]

I don't believe any gate has ever stopped an act from happening. Seems the camera has helped catch the bad guy after the deed but the gate has only caused an inconvenience.

If you are a villager, it should not be an inconvenience.

[Barefoot]

Seems the camera has helped catch the bad guy after the deed but the gate has only caused an inconvenience.
The Villages is a golf cart community, or so the signs say. :gc:
The gates aren't an inconvenience if you're driving a golf cart and waiting to cross the road.

[Carl in Tampa]

Read this study and then decide http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5184&context=etd

Anyone who clicks on the link to read the study will appreciate the cartoon below.

Click on the cartoon to make it larger and easy to read.

[twoplanekid]

Anyone who clicks on the link to read the study will appreciate the cartoon below.

Click on the cartoon to make it larger and easy to read.

I agree! He said what? :icon_wink:

That is why I go to this site for the facts!:icon_wink:

[justjim]

The Villages is a golf cart community, or so the signs say. :gc:
The gates aren't an inconvenience if you're driving a golf cart and waiting to cross the road.

Barefoot I agree and you are spot on. Without the gates we would have many more accidents between golf carts and cars. Guess who looses "big time" when a car and a golf cart "kiss" each other?

The Villages is unique with 50,000 golf carts running along with 50,000 other vehicles. The gates stop the cars and give the golf carts an opportunity to safely pass at the gates. Bottom line it's more about SAFETY of those riding in the thousands of golf carts in The Villages than potential "crime" in The Villages. The cameras are a great deterrent. A small sign saying "smile your on camera" wouldn't hurt anything at the gates.

[Mrs. Robinson]

So, your conclusion would be that The Villages has less crime because it is not a true "gated community?"

O.K. ....................... :popcorn:

No. My conclusion is that the residents who feel that our gates are a deterrent to crime are living a fairy tale.

[doran]

Don't worry, be happy.