All too frequently, however, the headlines scream about incidents right inside these supposedly watertight domains, and it's then that the Home Owners' Association (HOA) usually gets called upon to beef up security.

"Personal security is such an elusive thing," says Jo Pelser, MD of leading residential developer Sable Homes. "At one moment, life seems warm and fuzzy and the next, the end of the world seems to be crashing in when the unthinkable becomes horrible reality.

"HOAs are then frequently dragged centre stage to try to prevent a re-occurrence of the problem. And their usual reaction is to provide more entry security, armed patrols, video cameras, fences and high-tech gadgetry.

"But while HOAs should of course be conscious of the security issue and try to make the estate reasonably safe and secure, they and the residents should be aware that no system is absolutely foolproof."

Your own worst enemy

What is more, he says, the residents of gated communities are often their own worst enemies when it comes to security: "They leave security gates open while they just pop out to the shops, hand out keys and gate codes to their friends and will rarely question strangers on the property even if they see them up to something suspicious.

"So, rather than installing more sophisticated security equipment, the HOA should perhaps tackle this weak link in the chain, by forming a Neighbourhood Watch committee, for example. It can also send out or post periodic reminders about specific security issues.

"The HOA can also host guest speakers from the police service or security companies because although we all know what we should do, reminders do help keep us better security focused.

"And finally, the HOA should not neglect to do the relatively inexpensive, practical things that are the basis of good security: Make sure exterior lighting is well placed and working, install heavy duty gates and locks and cut back trees and bushes that provide cover for 'baddies' and interfere with electric fencing."