Niwot homeowners take action after recent break-ins

A series of home break-ins in Niwot neighborhoods this fall took a more troubling turn with multiple apparent gang-related incidents and attempted entries. On Nov. 6, Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson addressed about 100 Niwot residents, outlining safety force responses and providing advice on how homeowners can better protect their homes. lhvc.com/story/2024/11/13/news/boulder-county-sheriff-addresses-niwot-homeowners-about-recent-break-ins/9874.html">The Left Hand Valley Courier reported key points from the meeting, including a list of recommended actions for homeowners and neighborhoods at lhvc.com.

Since then, several homeowners associations (HOAs) in targeted areas have implemented various divergent measures.

One HOA president reported that while residents were informed of the situation, they did not opt to coordinate any additional safety measures as a group.

Another HOA, representing about 20 homes, had experienced at least one break-in and another attempted entry. In response, following the meeting with the sheriff, they improved neighborhood communications by launching GroupMe and text chains. These efforts helped in reporting a suspicious vehicle when neighbors collaborated to monitor its movements.

Members now notify one another about travel plans, and neighbors assist by running tire tracks on snowy driveways, clearing snow-covered walkways and porches, and collecting packages on porches. One resident offered to conduct walkthroughs of vacant homes, a practice recommended by the sheriff. Additionally, many members have installed or reactivated security systems.

Upcoming HOA meetings will focus on discussing the need to install whole-street security measures, such as the Flock Safety Sparrow Camera license plate tracking system suggested by the sheriff.

A third, larger, HOA has taken extensive precautions. In addition to adopting measures similar to those of the second HOA, they have hired a private security company to patrol the neighborhood and a nearby parking area believed to be a staging site for groups of perpetrators. They are also installing a license plate tracking system and are considering the use of trail cameras.

On Dec. 5, Carrie Haverfield, Senior Communications Specialist for the Boulder County Sheriff's Department (BCSD), reported that there have been no recent gang-related break-ins in Niwot. She emphasized that safety personnel remain actively engaged and visible in affected areas. Haverfield advised residents to keep bright interior and exterior lights on as a deterrent and to continue reporting suspicious activity.

While incidents by criminal groups have subsided, Haverfield noted an uptick in break-ins by individuals across Boulder. These typically involve thieves entering unlocked cars or breaking car windows to steal garage door openers, which they then use to access homes. To counter this, she urged residents to ensure that car, garage, and home doors and windows remain closed and locked at all times.

The community's proactive steps have already begun to yield results, with enhanced communication and preventive measures creating a sense of a safer environment. However, continued vigilance and cooperation among neighbors and law en