The Sunday report 'Call for development plan - Realtors warn that the country's alarming crime rate is pushing Jamaicans into gated communities', is not accurate as, for over 38 years, gated communities have been springing up all over the place.

One of the first such schemes was the townhouse complex of Worthington Mews, built in the early 1970s. Ever since, these schemes have been built all over the place. There are developers who buy older houses and immediately tear them down and build townhouses and/or apartment complexes. Liguanea, Barbican, Norbrook, Jacks Hill - all these areas are evidence that gated communities have been with us for a long time. And, are they more secure? That is debatable, as numerous incidents, including murder, have happened at gated communities - the recent cowardly slaying of the manager of Xtras being one example.

Security, whether in a gated community or in a single house, is as much about individual awareness as it is ensuring that proper systems are in place. And, where non-security persons are unsure what to do, there are some extremely competent and capable security professionals in Jamaica who they can call for advice.

Security consultation

This does not mean you only have the professional opinion of the guarding/electronic security companies. There are numerous individuals who provide independent security consultation, and can walk you through minimum security requirements to safeguard your family and friends.

Gated communities, though offering the perception that they are more secure, are only so if the correct approach has been provided at the design stage. Many developers wait until the scheme is almost finished before really thinking about security, and then they may invite firms in to assess and tender. My advice is to seek out an independent security professional.

Gated communities are constructed to get the most value out of a piece of land - there is no way you can make as much money by building a single house on a half acre of land, than if you build 20 apartments.

I am, etc.,

NICHOLAS STEPHENSON

stephensonnicholas@hotmail.com

Gordon Town

St Andrew