Recent Criminal Incidents Prompt Consideration of Better Security Measures

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Published on Thursday, 08 May 2014 21:45

A rash of incidents in Ave Maria in the last few months has prompted an examination of ways to increase security in the town center and in town parks.

Residents at the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District meeting Tuesday expressed frustration with continuing incidents of theft, vandalism and inappropriate behavior and suggested it was time to look at better security measures.

In the last month, vandals have damaged bathrooms at town parks and caused damage in other town facilities. A golf cart belonging to the Ave Maria Master Association was taken for a joy ride and severely damaged last weekend. And on Easter weekend, youths scaled the fence at the pool owned by the La Piazza condominium association and stole a valuable security camera. The trespassing and theft were caught on another camera, however, and the Collier County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident as a felony.

At the AMSCD meeting, a number of security possibilities were discussed including hiring private security or using paid details by sheriff's deputies. Barron Collier VP David Genson, who is the landowners' representative to the AMSCD, said that he and Luisa Rosales, the manager of the Ave Maria Master Association, would look at options in consultation with managers at the various homeowner associations in Ave Maria.