The Park City Police Department is reaching out to homeowner associations in the area to make them aware of criminal activity in their neighborhoods. Melissa Allison brings us the story:
There are currently 23 registered HOAs in Park City and though the crime rate is minimal according to Police Captain Phil Kirk, they are reaching out to the associations to keep it that way.
“We started in April and offered our services including providing them a map of the crimes that are occurring in their jurisdiction and their HOA boundaries," Kirk said. "And so now we’re following up with those initial contacts and initial emails with that kind of statistical data – crime analysis data. And now we’re actually going to the meetings, answering questions they might have, encouraging them to take whatever measures they can as homeowners to prevent them from being victimized.”
The information helps residents better protect their home. Kirk said it can be as simple as locking your door.
"There certainly is very little violent crime but there’s a few property crimes such as, sometimes their vehicles, cars that are broken into," Kirk said. "Or the cars are just, the doors are unlocked and sometimes unfortunately people even leave their keys in their cars. So, those kind of things can easily be prevented if the homeowners are more aware of the type of crime thats occurring and maybe take measures on their part to prevent it from happening. Or call in the information on suspicious activity that is occurring in their neighborhood.”
Code Enforcement Officer Mary McClaugherty said HOAs are required to register with the state but not the city. Though there are benefits to registering with the city.
“If they want to be notified about what building permits are being issued in their area, or applied for in their area, then they would register," McClaugherty said. "So it brings more of an awareness to the HOA, to the community of what people’s intent is.”
Not all neighborhoods in Park City have HOAs. Kirk said to those who are not registered or not part of an HOA, he’d like to hear from you so that he can provide the same service to you as your neighbors.
His number is 435 615-5512 or email him at phil.kirk@parkcity.org.
I’m Melissa Allison, KPCW News.