Car Thefts
If you've had a theft/break-in
File a police report either online https://www.sjpd.org/reporting-crime/report-crimes-online or by calling (408) 277-8900 and having the police come out.
Report it to the Property Management company and the HOA Board and we will review cameras for footage and so security vulnerabilities and causes.
Bring it up in the next HOA Meeting to review security measures needed.
Prevention - Catalytic Converter Theft
Toyota Priuses and Honda Elements have a very exposed catalytic converter, which makes it easier for thieves to remove and sell the part, since the palladium inside is worth a lot of $. There are numerous reports on Nextdoor, and a theft attempt at Plant 51 was made the week of January 4, 2021 in the outside gated area, and another was carried out on a Honda Element inside the garage.
Typical Cars Targeted
Prius: Get an aluminum shield installed underneath your car. Price Quotes from Yelp (sorted based on cost, all are at least a 4.5+ on Yelp) - also price quotes increase all the time so call for the latest.
Tires Unlimited - $160 labor fee, you'll need to buy the part
Babe's Mufflers - $318 including parts and labor
High Street Automotive - $150 for install, part you'll need to buy for $160+tax
GIC - $400 including parts and labor
Honda Element: You can get a Cat Clamp https://catclamp.com/media/ or a cat cover https://catshield.com/collections/catshield-all/products/millercat-2003-2011-honda-element-cat-shield.
Articles
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35059184/catalytic-converter-theft-cars-up-why/
Prevention - Dash Cameras
HIGHLY recommended for insurance purposes to prevent a he-said-she-said in accidents, and some have a sentry mode for when motion or movement is detected.
Lots of options to choose from: https://www.amazon.com/dash-cam/s?k=dash+cam but it's recommended to not trust the reviews (they are mostly paid) and try a few yourself, then return the ones you don't like.
Prevention - Tesla Sentry Mode
If you have a Tesla, don't forget to turn on Sentry Mode