Subject: Re: Security Camera at the Mail Boxes
From: Michele Tittle (micheletittle@sbcglobal.net)
Date: Tue May 11 2004 - 16:00:14 CDT
Mike- You are correct. Never once have I been left a key to access a
package in one of the postal boxes... my packages are left on the counter,
despite my posted signs and phone calls to the carrier and Post Office. I
can't force the PO to do anymore, and if it has already been decided that
cameras will not deter any theft, then as I said earlier, I see the only
option is to get a post office box and no longer use my home address for
mailing packages.
This is what I will do- so as far as I am concerned I guess the matter is
closed unless I want to file a police report and contact the PO to see if
they have any personal investment in this as a crime.
Christine- in my previous calls addressing this with our local PO resulted
in their only liability (or concern) seemed to be that they prove the
package was delivered and what happened after they met their 'obligation'
seemed of little concern to them, but I will try again to see if I get any
other response and maybe something can be done.
~Michele
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael E. Rutkowski (First Properties)"
<michaelrut@firstpropertiesllc.com>
To: <vanguard-talk@venus.soci.niu.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 3:28 PM
Subject: Re: Security Camera at the Mail Boxes
> I'll ignore Jon's underhanded shots at First Properties and myself and let
> his continued ignorance to the Vanguard Community and association living
> speak for itself.
>
> The sort of parcel boxes proposed by Mr. Jones are already at Vanguard, in
> plain view. The bank of regular mailboxes has 3 parcel boxes for USPS
> access on the lower right hand side. Formerly, one had a "master
> commercial" lock for private carriers (FedEx, etc) the others were for the
> Post Office. A few years ago, the Board decided to no longer give the
> private carriers access to the building (for security reasons) and now all
> parcel boxes have a USPS lock on them.
>
> Coincidentally, I was at the building today to take pictures of the
> previously mentioned broken postal lock to aid in getting it repaired
> faster. I've attached one of those pictures, and you'll notice 3 boxes on
> the lower right hand side that have 2 locks on them...these are the parcel
> boxes. 2 of the parcel boxes (the bottom two) are in use right now. (The
> keys, which can only be removed by the Post Office, have been removed,
> meaning there is a parcel in each, and the key for each is in someone's
> regular mailbox.) I can't control the postal carrier's decision-making
> process on when to use the parcel boxes and when to leave mail on the
> counter.
> .
> Finally, perhaps I misunderstood, but I do not believe the stolen mail
> originally reported on this discussion board was stolen as a result of a
> broken lock, it was stolen because the package was left on the counter.
I'm
> not sure how that would expedite the repair to the lock, nor would I
> advocate filing a false report.
>
> As far as the video camera goes, our surveillance system is "maxed out."
> Meaning, we can't add any more cameras, we can only relocate an existing
> camera. That would mean taking a camera away from one of the entrances or
> storage room. That's an option the Board could discuss, but I fear we
would
> simply be "moving" our problem to another area of the building. Another
> security system could be added, but there is no money in the budget to
take
> on such an endeavor this year.
>
> Michael E. Rutkowski
> First Properties, LLC
> Phone: 312.829.8900
> Fax: 312.829.8950
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jon Jones" <jon_e_jones@yahoo.com>
> To: <vanguard-talk@venus.soci.niu.edu>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2004 12:56 PM
> Subject: Re: Security Camera at the Mail Boxes
>
>
> > It seems a simpe solution to the problem would be to install a USPS -
> or -Private Shipper parcel locker in the mailroom. This is a locker system
> used in several large condo / apartment buildings that do not have
> mailrooms/doormen. The lockers come in different sizes and probably could
be
> recessed installed in the wall above the mailboxes.
> >
> > The parcel delivery carrier (USPS or private shipper) places the parcel
in
> a locker, then uses a locker control key to remove the locker key and
place
> it in the receipents locked mailbox. The receiptent opens the locker and
> removes the delivered parcel with the key and the key remains locked in
> place to be removed by an approved carrier.
> >
> > Examples of this type of system can be found at these sites or by
> searching for "parcel locker"
> >
>
http://raytechdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RTD&Category_Code=MB-COM-PL.
> >
> > http://www.abcmailbox.com/parcel2.htm
> >
> > http://www.mailboxsolutions.com/opl2.html
> >
> > http://www.bommer.com/PostalSpecialties/Model562.pdf
> >
> >
>
http://www.hssindustries.com/default.php?cPath=26&PHPSESSID=22d2ff03c839c778d1f3e51b92b30216
> >
> > Different lockers can be found for the needs of the Vanguard residents
at
> a cost less then your loss to date.
> >
> > A decent property management company would have suggested this after
> receiving a few complaints of stolen packages. Also, a decent property
> management company would know that the request to have the broken lock on
> the mailbox unit would be expediated if a stolen mail report is filed with
> the US Postal Inspector - but I'm sure calling again will help too.
> >
> > http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/tipthief.htm
> >
> > POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE
> > 433 W HARRISON ST FL 6
> > CHICAGO IL 60607-0002
> > Phone : 312-983-7900
> > Fax : 312-983-6300
> >
> >
> > Just some hints from your former neighbor.
> >
> > Michele Tittle <micheletittle@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Is there ANYTHING we can do to install a security camera at the
maiboxes.
> I have had my 6th packaged stolen since I moved into Vanguard since
January.
> I have called the post office, I have instructed that no packages be left
> for me and that I am called to come down to get them (I have a home
office)
> and/or they leave a slip if I am not at home. Despite my best efforts- I
am
> only called on about 1 out of 5 packages and about one out of every 4 of
> those is being stolen. I have posted signs as well and I understand from
> talking with neighbors I am not the only one who has had packages stolen.
> >
> > I am out almost $650.00 now because the packages are being confirmed as
> delivered so I have no recourse with the shippers. My only other option is
> to get a post office box but that is just an additional expense and huge
> inconvenience. I know this issue has been brought up before but I don't
> recall the outcome and why we can't do this. Can this be brought up at the
> next home owners meetings or can someone explain why this is not an
option?
> >
> > Thank you.
> >
> > Michele Tittle
> > #701
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Do you Yahoo!?
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> >
> >
> >
>
>
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