Due to a significant increase in crime, including a rising number of burglaries targeting both homes and vehicles, the Homeowners Association (HOA) has made the decision to hire a security company, Signal 88 Security, to patrol the neighborhood. While this is currently being implemented as a trial run, the HOA is considering committing to a contract that could cost the community over $25,000 annually for these patrols. This money will be drawn directly from the HOA’s funds, which are collected from homeowners’ association dues.
Signal 88 Security will conduct random patrols throughout the neighborhood, aiming to deter criminal activity and increase the overall safety of the area. However, there are mixed opinions among residents about the effectiveness of this measure, particularly given the high cost involved. Homeowners are concerned about how this additional expense will impact their monthly dues and whether it will truly address the root causes of crime in the neighborhood.
The decision to implement private security patrols comes in response to a growing crime problem in the neighborhood, as well as in the surrounding areas of Mobile, Alabama. In fact, Mobile was recently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in America, according to FBI data. This designation highlights the ongoing safety challenges that residents in the area face, with a sharp uptick in property crimes like burglaries and car thefts. As the community grapples with these security issues, many homeowners are looking for more effective solutions to restore peace of mind without incurring hefty financial burdens.
While the presence of security patrols may provide a temporary sense of relief, residents are also questioning whether this is a long-term solution or if the HOA should explore additional measures, such as better lighting, community watch programs, or working with local law enforcement to address the root causes of crime more directly. The situation remains fluid, and many homeowners are closely watching how the trial run with Signal 88 Security plays out, as it will have long-lasting implications for the neighborhood’s safety and financial health.
