Cameras

Trails West has two independent security systems in place for our residents.

Our first is a system consisting of 19 individual cameras and a recording system. It covers the front and rear entrances as well as the clubhouse and recreation areas. This system is monitored by resident volunteers.

The second system is a license plate scanning system installed at both entrances and monitored by the Volusia County Sheriffs Department 24-7. When a vehicle enters Trails West, the plate is scanned and run against law enforcement databases.  If the tag is in the database for robbery, Silver Alert, Amber Alert, sex offender, etc., it alerts the VCSD that the car has entered the community.

In a statement to local news, Sheriff Chitwood has stated that for citizens concerned about their privacy, plate readers are no different than the multitude of cameras that businesses and private property owners already use.

“All it does is scan the license plate,” he said.  “That’s all it does, it doesn’t take a picture of the occupants. There are cameras everywhere, all over the world. You’re on video.”

Chitwood said license plates are not considered private property and can be legally used for law enforcement purposes.

Garage Doors

Long ago, a person could leave all of their doors unlocked without much risk. Unfortunately, those times have long passed. When a resident leaves an open garage door unattended, it is an invitation to a theft of their property. Trails West has seen this type of crime more than once.

In addition, homeowners leave themselves vulnerable to a much more serious crime – home invasion. Do you lock the door between your garage and living area? Most people don’t. Please keep your garage doors down unless having them open is absolutely necessary.

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