As we officially enter the summer season and many of us embark on our travels, this memo serves as a reminder to safeguard our homes and remain vigilant for our neighbors.

Recently, we experienced a break-in in Abbottsford, which is currently under active police investigation. This seems to be a crime of opportunity and not a violent crime. The homeowners involved have requested privacy regarding the details of the incident, but they believe that together, we can enhance the safety of our community against another occurrence.

The Board has the following suggestions for improving home security in Abbottsford:

1. Lighting: Abbottsford can be quite dark at night. We encourage everyone to turn on their outside garage lights or, even better, install dusk-to-dawn timers to automate this process. However, please remember that break-ins can, and often do, occur during the day.
2. Security Systems: Ensure your security system is activated and utilized. Installing
   cameras, especially at the front door and in the alleys near garage doors, can be very effective. Additionally, consider placing cameras in courtyards, porches, and the sides of your house. It may also be wise to add sensors to upstairs windows, as second floor windows can be used to bypass perimeter security.
3. Mail Security: Be aware that the USPS system has faced several hacks recently, which
   could make holding your mail problematic. Thieves can use this information to see if residences are vacant. Informing your neighbors when you will be out of town and potentially asking them to collect your mail is advisable.
4. Visible Security Signs: The police have suggested that displaying stickers or signs from
   your security company at the front and back of your house can act as a deterrent.
5. Additional Measures: Consider using motion-activated alarms and hiring a house sitter if you will be away for an extended period.
   

The Board of Directors is actively exploring additional options to further enhance the safety and security of Abbottsford. We will share more information about the recent break-in if it becomes available. In the meantime, let’s all take the outlined steps to make our neighborhood a safer place to live.

Abbottsford Board of Directors.

From 6/1/24:

As summer approaches and children take to the streets to enjoy outdoor play, we kindly remind all residents to prioritize safety. Children are often absorbed in their games and may not always be aware of approaching vehicles. We urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, adhere to speed limits, and be vigilant for kids, pets, and other pedestrians. Parents, please remind your children to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid playing in heavy traffic areas whenever possible. Let’s work together to ensure a fun and safe summer for everyone in our community.

Over the next week, you will notice a layer of protective tulle wrapped around some of our young trees in HOA common areas.  This is to prevent “flagging,” which is the dead branch damage caused after female cicadas create slits to lay eggs in woody branches between 1/4″ and 1/2″ diameter.  Once Cicada season ends, these protective coverings will be promptly removed.  Thank you for your understanding as we try to reduce the loss of our newly planted trees.

This video from the Cicada Crew at University of Maryland shows how you can protect any small trees in your yard.  https://youtu.be/X4vjivdnfMM?si=evtpQYYSHZAhhFP3

Ashley Cantrell will demonstrate how to protect young trees from Cicada damage his Saturday, May 10th at 10am in the second median past the guardhouse in Abbottsford.  Female cicadas create slits in woody branches between 1/4″ and 1/2″ in diameter before laying their eggs.  This can damage young trees with predominantly small branches to the point of killing them.  Young trees planted in the past 2 years are most at risk.  Japanese Maples may also me at risk.  If you cannot attend, this video shows how to properly protect young trees from cicadas damage.  Thank you. 

The Abbottsford community pool is scheduled to open on May 20th. This is the Monday before the Memorial Day holiday. Mark your calendars and inflate your floaties! Summer will be here before we know it.