We want to bring to your attention a concerning matter that has surfaced recently in our area. Vehicle thieves have adopted a new strategy to carry out their activities, and it's crucial that we all stay vigilant and informed to prevent falling victim to this trend.

During the recent weekend, a series of incidents in Palm Beach County have highlighted a distinctive approach adopted by car thieves. In a rather innovative tactic, these wrongdoers masquerade as genuine food delivery personnel, allowing them to infiltrate our community with ease. Let's delve into the mechanics of this scheme:

The Modus Operandi:

Thieves are working in groups of 2 to 4 individuals, arriving in a car that appears to be associated with a food delivery service. They do indeed have real deliveries to make, but their true intentions are far from delivering meals. While a couple of individuals proceed to deliver the food, the remaining members of the group exploit this distraction to their advantage.

While their partners are busy with the food drop-offs, the other thieves seize the opportunity to search for unlocked vehicles. They scour the parked cars, looking for open windows or unlocked doors, making it easy for them to access the interiors. Once they've checked the vehicles for valuables, they quickly regroup and leave the scene, often before anyone realizes what has occurred. Sometimes, if the owner has left a fob in the car, they are able to steal the vehicle.

Security's Action Plan:

In light of this concerning trend, St. Moritz Security has promptly initiated measures to safeguard our community. They are actively instructing our gate officers to enhance their vigilance and take proactive measures against this emerging threat. These measures encompass:

1. Heightened Vigilance Our officers have been informed about this trend and will be closely monitoring any vehicles entering the community for food deliveries. They are instructed to pay close attention to details such as vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, and the number of occupants. And of course to be vigilant in fully logging-in of every vehicle.

2. ID Verification: Officers will also be diligent in verifying and scanning the drivers licenses of delivery personnel. They will insist upon proper identification and make sure it matches the information provided by the residents.

3. Suspicious Activity Reporting If officers notice any suspicious behavior, such as a vehicle with several individuals inside entering the property for a food delivery, they will promptly notify the St. Moritz Command Center who will then notify the Police. Providing detailed information about the suspicious vehicle will be crucial in ensuring an effective response.

Protect Yourself:

We also urge YOU, our valued residents, to take certain precautions to safeguard your property:

1. Lock Your Vehicles Always ensure that your vehicles are locked, even when parked in your driveway or in the community parking areas, including pools.

2. Remove Valuables Avoid leaving any valuables in your vehicles, especially in plain sight. Thieves are more likely to target vehicles with visible items of value.

3. Stay Informed Stay connected and remain informed about any emerging trends or security measures.

By working together and staying informed, we can effectively counteract this new vehicle theft trend and maintain the safety and security of our community. If you have any concerns or come across any suspicious activity, please don't hesitate to report it to the St. Moritz Command Center at (561) 627-1600.

Your safety is our priority.

Addressing another Eagleton Safety and Safety Concern....