How an HOA Board President Addressed Vehicle Break-Ins while Navigating Tight Budgets and Local Restrictions

Carrie Murphy, HOA Board President, found it challenging to properly secure her community due to a tight budget, several entry and exit points, and strict infrastructure constraints that made traditional solutions like gates unfeasible. 

The Challenge

Carrie Murphy’s HOA faced rising vehicle break-ins and mounting safety concerns, but traditional gate systems couldn’t be installed due to complex road access and county school easements. With a limited budget, the board needed an affordable, effective security solution that wouldn’t increase association fees.

The board explored multiple options, aiming to balance strong deterrence with financial sustainability and address both infrastructure limits and resident worries. Their search focused on finding a solution that solved for crime, budget, and physical barriers together.

The Solution: Flock Safety

“An officer recommended Flock to our HOA board after hearing about our issues with vehicle break-ins. We then reached out to Flock and got a presentation showing how [Flock] could help our community. From there, we knew it was a good fit.” 

• Carrie Murphy, HOA Board President

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After researching several security options, the HOA worked with local law enforcement to evaluate Flock Safety, presenting its capabilities to secure community buy-in. Once installed, Flock cameras helped build a virtual security perimeter for the neighborhood, actively deterring would-be offenders while capturing valuable evidence when incidents occurred.

The system’s real impact was amplified through law enforcement integration, local police confirmed Flock’s data was instrumental in investigations and attended annual community meetings to discuss its effectiveness. By combining neighborhood support, proactive deterrence, and solid police partnerships, the HOA was able to both strengthen resident safety and demonstrate a commitment to cost-effective, actionable security

Key Outcomes

When theft or suspicious activity occurred in the community, Flock Safety’s system provided the HOA with actionable footage and data, allowing them to track vehicles across entry points where other cameras had failed. This investigative support made it possible to quickly identify relevant details in cases where traditional methods offered little more than passive evidence.

Compared to hiring security guards or installing gates, Flock proved to be the more sustainable and effective option. Flock's combination of video support and budget-friendly infrastructure allowed the HOA to maintain a high level of security without raising association fees, successfully addressing resident safety concerns while keeping costs in check.

Strengthening Partnerships with Law Enforcement

“I’ve asked law enforcement if Flock is helpful, and their answer is absolutely. In fact, I have law enforcement come to our annual meeting and discuss how helpful Flock is in tackling crimes.” 

• Carrie Murphy, HOA Board President

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The HOA board invited local law enforcement to their annual community meetings to discuss the benefits of Flock Safety. Officers emphasized how the system allowed them to reduce response times while giving them access to clarifying footage.   

This collaboration reinforced residents’ confidence that their leadership was taking proactive, tangible steps toward safety.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

By combining affordability, strong deterrence, and actionable data, Flock allowed both HOA leaders and local law enforcement to respond more effectively to crime while proactively showing a commitment to resident safety. Carrie Murphy, HOA Board President, encourages other HOAs and community managers to carefully assess community budgets, layout, and security goals before choosing solutions. Carrie also recognizes Flock’s cost-effectiveness in providing proactive care for resident safety and property.