COLUMN: Owner concerned about `stalker' on roof

Q. I live in a gated 200-unit condominium complex. Recently, I have been concerned about security at our community, especially at night. I believe that our community has a stalker, who always seems to appear around this time of year.

Late last night, I heard noises outside my home and the shuffling of feet on my roof. I called Rudolph, our community's security guard, but the noises had stopped by the time he arrived. Rudolph told me that I must have been "hearing things."

When I spoke to our board of directors about this, other homeowners began to speak up. It appears that I am not the only one who thinks there is someone spying on our community every December. Can you assist us?

A. Security is a mutual concern for all homeowners. Upon receiving this letter, I contacted law enforcement officials and informed them of the recent events at your community.

One officer connected me with his department's Investigation Division, where I had the chance to speak with Detective Joyous Noel. I was extremely surprised when she informed me that a number of communities had reported similar mysterious sounds, and that complaints had been increasing since Thanksgiving Day.

Detective Noel has compiled a profile of the alleged stalker from the complaints that she has received and asked me to include a description of him in this column, so that all associations can alert their homeowners.

He appears to be an older fellow, perhaps in his late 50s. He is around 5 feet 6 inches tall and overweight by a good 30 pounds. Apparently, no one has seen his hair because he always wears a red hat with white trim. He also has a full white beard, and favors climbing onto roofs that have chimneys.

If you should hear any strange noises, such as the prancing of hooves or a boisterous "ho, ho, ho," please call Detective Noel at 555-XMAS.

I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday and New Year.

Questions for Barbara Holland may be sent to Association Q. & A., P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759.

Barbara Holland, Certified Property Manager, is president and co-owner of Realty and Management Co. She is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management and is the author of two books on the subject. Holland is a past president of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.

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