How we built this: Based on Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime statistics, Orange County Sheriff’s Office annual reports, documented local incidents from Winter Garden and Horizon West, and security best practices from ASIS and CPTED frameworks.
Executive Summary
Winter Garden apartment communities and HOAs—especially across 34787, Horizon West, and Hamlin—face predictable property crime patterns that demand proactive security responses:
- Winter Garden recorded 810 property crimes in 2020 (88 burglaries, 654 larcenies, 68 vehicle thefts), with property crimes comprising over 80% of all incidents
- Horizon West saw 79 vehicle burglaries in just January–April 2021, including a single night where 20 cars were burglarized at one apartment complex
- Apartment residents face roughly 2× the package theft risk compared to single-family homeowners, with national losses estimated at $12 billion annually
- 2024 success story: Horizon West achieved a dramatic 49% decrease in overall crime compared to 2023, including 56% drop in auto thefts and 45% drop in auto burglaries
- Proven solutions work: Targeted patrols, access control upgrades, License Plate Recognition technology, and community collaboration are delivering measurable results
This article examines verified crime data from Winter Garden and surrounding areas, documents real incidents affecting local communities, and provides actionable security strategies that property managers and HOA boards can implement immediately.
For a complete overview of apartment and HOA security services in Winter Garden, see our comprehensive guide.
Why Property Crime Remains the Primary Challenge in Winter Garden
Higher Resident Density Creates Opportunity
Winter Garden—particularly Horizon West and Hamlin—is one of the fastest-growing residential corridors in Orange County. Horizon West’s population exploded from approximately 18,000 in 2011 to about 70,000 by 2022. While this growth has brought vitality to the area, it has also created concentrated opportunities for property crime.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the City of Winter Garden saw 963 index crimes in 2020 (153 violent and 810 property crimes)—indicating that property crimes comprised over 80% of all incidents. The nearby city of Ocoee reported similar patterns with 1,263 total crimes in 2020, including 130 burglaries, 927 larcenies, and 74 vehicle thefts.
Package Delivery Volume Drives Theft Patterns
Florida ranks among the top states for porch piracy nationwide. Dense apartment communities process hundreds of packages daily, creating predictable theft opportunities during peak delivery hours (3 p.m.–9 p.m.) and seasonal surges (November-December, post-holiday returns).
Orange County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. William Ramirez confirms: “During the holiday season, we see an increase in thefts – particularly stolen deliveries.” To combat this, OCSO ramps up seasonal patrols and deploys “Burglary Boxes” at central locations where residents can discard empty electronics boxes without advertising new valuables to prowling thieves.
Parking Lot Vulnerabilities
Vehicle break-ins concentrate in predictable zones:
- Rear parking lots with poor lighting
- Dimly lit corners and overflow parking areas
- Garages with inconsistent access control
- Apartment complexes with open visitor parking
An OCSO Sector Captain noted that “one of the most popular crimes the area is known for is car burglaries,” with 79 vehicle burglaries reported in just January–April of 2021 in the Horizon West area alone.
Open Breezeways and Amenity Areas
Unsecured breezeways, fitness centers, pool decks, and mail rooms become prime vandalism and trespassing targets, especially overnight. OCSO reports that uninvited individuals accessing private amenities—including non-residents sneaking into community pools or gyms—have been a recurring complaint on neighborhood forums.
Real Incident #1: Package Theft Spree in Horizon West (December 2015)
What Happened
On December 10, 2015, a group of young suspects went on a package theft spree in the Horizon West/Windermere area. They drove through neighborhoods—including the Enclave at Berkshire Park community—and swiped boxes off multiple home porches in broad daylight, stuffing them into their car.
Alert residents noticed the suspicious activity and called the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies, with the help of the sheriff’s “Chase” helicopter unit, tracked the getaway car as one suspect was pilfering yet another package from a doorstep. The suspects fled into a gated neighborhood (Keene’s Pointe), but multiple deputies converged and arrested four individuals (ages 17-19) for burglary and theft.
What This Incident Reveals
Even affluent, guard-gated areas can be targeted. The suspects specifically chose communities they believed had valuable deliveries and operated during peak afternoon delivery times when packages were most likely to be unattended.
Citizen vigilance plus coordinated law enforcement response works. Residents called 911 immediately, provided real-time updates, and helped direct deputies to the suspects’ location. While following suspects is risky for civilians, this case demonstrates the value of rapid reporting and active community engagement.
Package theft is especially acute in apartment complexes. Research indicates that apartment residents face roughly 2× the risk of package theft compared to single-family homeowners. Multiple factors contribute: high-density buildings with common mailrooms, front door drop-offs that thieves can exploit anonymously, multiple carrier deliveries with varied access protocols, and packages that may sit longer if residents are at work.
A national survey in 2024 found that about 58 million Americans had a package stolen in the past year, totaling an estimated $12 billion in losses. Package theft remains the #1 crime affecting multifamily communities.
The Security Solution That Works
Property managers and HOA boards can prevent most package theft through a layered approach:
1. High-Visibility Foot Patrols During Delivery Hours
Schedule security presence from 3 p.m.–9 p.m. when most carriers deliver. Guards conducting visible breezeway and front door checks create immediate deterrence and provide resident reassurance.
2. Camera Coverage in Breezeways and Drop-Off Zones
Basic wide-angle corridor cameras record package deliveries and suspicious activity. When package theft does occur, footage helps law enforcement identify vehicles and suspects—as demonstrated in the 2015 Horizon West case.
3. Dedicated Package Rooms with Access Control
Smart locker systems and secure package rooms eliminate unsecured doorstep deliveries entirely. Some Central Florida HOAs have installed parcel lockers where carriers deposit packages and residents retrieve them using access codes.
4. Incident Logging and Reporting
Security officers should document:
- Package delivery patterns and peak times
- Suspicious vehicles or individuals in parking lots
- Residents’ package theft complaints
- Camera footage timestamps for law enforcement
This documentation helps property managers identify patterns, adjust patrol schedules, and provide evidence when filing police reports.
Real Pattern #2: Vehicle Break-Ins Across West Orange County
The Problem: Recurring Burglary Sprees
Car break-ins have been a persistent challenge in West Orange County, often hitting multiple vehicles in one night. Orange County Sheriff’s Office data shows 79 vehicle burglaries reported in just January–April of 2021 in the Horizon West area.
One particularly severe incident occurred on April 12, 2021, when approximately 20 cars were burglarized in a single night at The Retreat at Windermere apartment complex. Such clusters indicate roving groups of thieves entering a property and systematically checking dozens of cars for unlocked doors or valuables.
What Drives Vehicle Break-Ins
OCSO officials say many auto burglaries are crimes of opportunity, frequently committed by teens or young adults “looking for guns” or other valuables in unlocked cars. Over 700 firearms were reported stolen from vehicles in Orange County in just 2020-2021—a serious public safety issue, as those stolen weapons often fuel further crime.
Even when firearms aren’t taken, a smashed window or stolen laptop leaves residents feeling violated. Vehicle break-ins are the leading property-crime complaint for many HOAs, typically occurring overnight in driveways or community parking lots with minimal active surveillance.
Recent Local Examples
Winter Garden burglary spree arrest: Winter Garden police recently arrested a 45-year-old man on multiple counts of burglary and petty theft. The suspect had been breaking into cars around the city, victimizing several residents before police identified him through surveillance footage and witness reports.
South American theft ring takedown (2024): A more organized operation targeted high-end homes across the region—including some in the Winter Garden area—stealing over $1.6 million in valuables before a multi-agency operation took them down. While this crew focused on luxury house burglaries (watches, jewelry, designer goods), their method of casing neighborhoods and exploiting security gaps is instructive to HOA communities at large.
The 2024 Success Story
The good news: In 2024, the Horizon West sector achieved a dramatic 49% decrease in overall crime compared to 2023. This included:
- 56% drop in auto thefts
- 45% drop in auto burglaries
- 53% drop in robberies and residential burglaries
Orange County Sheriff’s officials credit targeted patrols, enhanced training, and community collaboration for these improvements. “Proactive efforts are paying off,” OCSO stated in their 2024 annual report.
The Security Solution That Works in These Scenarios
Property managers and HOA boards can achieve similar results through four key strategies:
1. Vehicle Patrols with Marked Presence
A marked security vehicle circulating every 45-60 minutes is one of the strongest deterrents for vehicle crime. Thieves prefer to operate unobserved; visible patrol vehicles disrupt their operations and force them to move elsewhere.
Many Horizon West HOAs have hired off-duty deputies or private security guards specifically for overnight patrol sweeps. One resident observed: “Our community has grown substantially… but our Sheriff’s Office presence has remained the same. Our HOAs are currently paying for off-duty sheriff [deputies] when our tax dollars should be sufficient.”
2. Upgraded Lighting + Motion Activation
Criminals depend on low visibility. Lighting is an inexpensive force multiplier that dramatically reduces vehicle break-ins. Focus on:
- Parking lot corners and overflow areas
- Garage entrances and stairwells
- Pedestrian pathways between buildings
Motion-activated lighting surprises prowlers and draws attention to suspicious activity.
3. Deploy License Plate Recognition (LPR) at Entrances
LPR technology identifies repeat offenders and vehicles linked to prior crimes. OCSO has employed LPR cameras at neighborhood entrances and strategic traffic points, helping deputies catch stolen cars and identify suspect vehicles cruising parking lots at odd hours.
Some HOA communities have started using private LPR systems and sharing data with law enforcement—a powerful deterrent when criminals realize their vehicles are being tracked.
4. Resident Communication and Education
OCSO continually urges residents to “lock your car, take your keys, hide your belongings.” A large share of car burglaries happen to unlocked vehicles, so simply removing the easy temptation prevents many crimes.
Effective communities share:
- What security measures are in place
- What residents can do to protect themselves
- When incidents occur (without creating panic)
- Success stories when suspects are apprehended
Active communication reduces fear and builds trust between management, security providers, and residents.
Real Example #3: Home Invasion Highlights Security Gaps (December 2018)
What Happened
In December 2018, a Horizon West woman was terrorized by armed intruders who broke into her home at 6 a.m. in The Vineyards subdivision. The perpetrators held her at gunpoint and ransacked the house for an hour while her children watched. Thankfully, no one was physically hurt, but the incident left the community shaken.
Some residents noted concerns about response times in the fast-growing unincorporated area. One resident cited a 40-minute police response time in that invasion case, commenting: “We’re being targeted because the criminals know… we are vulnerable.”
The Community Response
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office held community meetings and assured residents that those particular invasions were targeted incidents—not random attacks. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that they were adding resources to the Horizon West area and working to reduce response times.
The incident galvanized HOAs to consider tighter security measures:
- Gating communities with controlled access
- Installing alarm systems and cameras
- Adding security patrols (off-duty deputies or private security)
- Creating neighborhood watch programs
Horizon West now has a Citizens on Patrol volunteer program where trained residents conduct non-confrontational neighborhood patrols and report issues to OCSO. These volunteers increase presence and deter petty crimes.
What Works for Vandalism and Trespassing
While violent home invasions are rare, vandalism and trespassing remain ongoing concerns for HOA communities. West Orange County has seen reports of:
- Graffiti/tagging in parks and stairwells
- Smashed clubhouse windows
- Damaged landscaping or holiday decorations
- Non-residents accessing private pools, gyms, or fishing in HOA lakes
- Trespassers exploring or squatting in unfinished homes under construction
OCSO’s Sector IV noted that deputies had to coordinate with specialized units to address “trespassing, homelessness and excessive noise issues” in some communities—including enforcing trespass warnings and working with county services to relocate individuals camping on private property.
1. Add Evening Foot Patrols
Breezeways, stairwells, and amenity spaces require human presence. Security officers conducting randomized patrol routes make it harder for vandals to predict where guards will be and when.
2. Improve Access Control Maintenance
Many vandalism incidents occur where gates or doors aren’t fully functional. Property managers should:
- Audit access control systems quarterly
- Update outdated fobs and keycards
- Repair damaged card readers immediately
- Enforce guest policies strictly
Florida Statute 810 allows law enforcement to arrest trespassers after proper warning. “No Trespassing” signage backed by this statute gives deputies the tools to remove repeat offenders.
3. Use Preventive Patrol Patterns
Randomized patrol routes prevent predictability. Guards should:
- Vary check-in times at amenities
- Document propped-open doors or gates
- Note lighting outages or broken cameras
- Report maintenance issues affecting security
4. Document Problem Areas for Management
Consistent reporting pinpoints:
- Access points being propped open
- Stairwells without adequate lighting
- Locations with recurring vandalism
- Times when trespassing occurs most
These insights inform actionable recommendations that property managers can address through repairs, upgrades, or adjusted patrol schedules.
What Property Managers & HOA Boards Can Do Now
1. Map Crime by Property Zone
Identify where incidents happen:
- Mailrooms and package drop-off areas
- Breezeways and common corridors
- Parking lots (visitor, resident, overflow, garages)
- Entrances and exits
- Amenity areas (pools, gyms, clubhouses)
Crime clusters are predictable. Use incident reports from residents, security logs, and police reports to create a heat map of vulnerability.
2. Match Solutions to Your Primary Risk
Package theft?
→ Smart lockers + breezeway cameras + early evening foot patrols (3-9 p.m.)
Vehicle break-ins?
→ Lighting upgrades + License Plate Recognition + marked vehicle patrols (10 p.m.-4 a.m.)
Vandalism and trespassing?
→ Randomized patrol routes + access control audits + “No Trespassing” enforcement
Different crime types require different responses. Don’t implement generic solutions—tailor your security plan to your actual incident patterns.
3. Establish Reporting Practices That Protect Your Community
Every property should maintain:
- Incident logs: Date, time, location, description, witnesses, police report numbers
- Visitor logs: Track who enters the property and when
- Patrol summaries: Document guard activities, checkpoints, and observations
- Maintenance recommendations: Note security-related repairs needed
This isn’t just good security practice; it’s liability protection. If an incident occurs and you can demonstrate that reasonable security measures were in place and properly documented, it strengthens your legal position.
4. Increase Patrol Visibility During Highest-Risk Hours
Winter Garden properties commonly see crime spikes during:
- 3 p.m.–9 p.m. (package theft during delivery hours)
- 10 p.m.–4 a.m. (vehicle break-ins when parking lots are dark and quiet)
Match your patrol hours to actual crime patterns. A security guard visible during peak risk times prevents more incidents than random coverage that doesn’t align with when crimes actually occur.
Technology That Actually Works in Winter Garden Communities
License Plate Recognition (LPR)
Best for:
- Deterring repeat offenders
- Tracking suspicious vehicles entering multiple times
- Providing evidence to law enforcement
- Identifying stolen vehicles
LPR cameras at community entrances automatically capture and log every vehicle. When a burglary spree hits, law enforcement can review LPR data to identify suspect vehicles and track their movements across multiple properties.
Access Control Audits
Most gate and door problems stem from:
- Outdated fobs and keycards still in the system
- Poor database management (former residents/employees with active access)
- Damaged card readers or gates needing repair
- Poorly enforced guest policies
Quarterly access control audits ensure that only authorized individuals can enter your property. Many property crimes involve someone who gained access through a compromised or outdated entry system.
Camera Coverage
Especially important for:
- Breezeways and common corridors
- Package delivery zones
- Parking lot corners and entrances
- Main entrance and exit gates
Cameras don’t prevent crime by themselves—criminals know most footage is never reviewed. However, when combined with active security patrols and proper lighting, cameras become powerful tools for investigation and evidence collection.
When a rash of break-ins hit one Winter Garden apartment complex, police were able to review surveillance footage, which helped identify a suspect vehicle and ultimately make an arrest.
Smart Package Lockers
The #1 solution for porch piracy in multifamily communities.
Smart lockers eliminate unsecured doorstep deliveries entirely. Carriers deposit packages in secure lockers, and residents receive access codes to retrieve them. This removes the temptation and opportunity that thieves depend on.
While package lockers require upfront investment, they pay for themselves through:
- Eliminated package theft claims
- Reduced resident turnover (theft frustration)
- Enhanced property reputation and marketability
How Professional Guard Operations Create Real Change
Two Friends Security uses a guard model built specifically for Central Florida residential properties. Our approach combines visible deterrence with systematic documentation that protects both residents and property management.
1. Foot Patrols for High-Traffic Areas
We target zones with:
- High resident foot traffic (breezeways, mailrooms)
- Frequent package drop-offs
- Recurring vandalism or trespassing
- Poor natural visibility
Foot patrols allow guards to interact with residents, check doors and gates, document maintenance issues, and provide immediate response when suspicious activity occurs.
2. Vehicle Patrols for Large Properties
Best for:
- Wide apartment complexes with multiple buildings
- Parking lots and outlying structures
- Communities with multiple entry points
- Properties requiring rapid response across distance
Marked security vehicles create highly visible deterrence while allowing guards to cover large areas efficiently.
3. Post Order Design
Every property requires customized post orders that define:
- Specific checkpoints and patrol routes
- Reporting standards and documentation requirements
- Response protocols for different incident types
- Photo documentation procedures
Generic security doesn’t work. Effective security requires site-specific instructions based on your property’s actual layout, incident history, and risk profile.
4. Incident Reporting and Management Communication
Real-time documentation through:
- Digital incident reports with photos and timestamps
- Daily patrol summaries delivered to property management
- Maintenance alerts for security-related repairs
- Trend analysis identifying emerging patterns
This level of reporting reassures residents that security is active and provides property managers with the documentation needed to demonstrate due diligence.
Winter Garden’s Growth Demands More Robust Security Strategy
With Horizon West and Hamlin booming, Winter Garden’s apartment and HOA communities face growing security pressure:
- More residents = more deliveries = more package theft opportunities
- More vehicles = more break-ins targeting unlocked cars and firearms
- More amenities = more points of vulnerability to vandalism and trespassing
The solution isn’t just “more security”—it’s the right mix of professional guard operations, proven technology, and systematic reporting that addresses your property’s specific risks.
Next Steps for Winter Garden Communities
1. Evaluate Your Current Vulnerabilities
Start with an honest assessment:
- Package handling: Where are packages delivered? How long do they sit unattended?
- Parking lots: Which areas have poor lighting? Where do most break-ins occur?
- Lighting: Are all pathways, corners, and entrances well-lit at night?
- Gate functionality: Do all access points work properly? Are outdated fobs still active?
- Camera coverage: Do cameras cover high-risk areas? Is footage actually reviewed?
2. Review Your Incident History
Patterns reveal your real risk. Pull records for the past 12 months:
- Package theft complaints
- Vehicle break-ins and vandalism reports
- Trespassing and access control violations
- Police reports filed by residents
Map incidents by location and time. This data shows exactly where and when you need increased security presence.
3. Implement a Layered Security Plan
The most effective approach combines:
- Professional guards (foot patrols during delivery hours, vehicle patrols overnight)
- Access control (working gates, updated fob systems, enforced guest policies)
- License Plate Recognition (tracking vehicles, deterring repeat offenders)
- Cameras (documenting incidents, supporting investigations)
No single solution prevents all crime. Layered security creates multiple barriers that deter criminals and detect threats early.
4. Set a Reporting Standard
Require your security provider to deliver:
- Daily patrol summaries
- Incident reports with photos and timestamps
- Maintenance alerts for security-related issues
- Monthly trend analysis
This documentation protects your community from liability and demonstrates to residents that management takes security seriously.
The Bottom Line
Winter Garden, Horizon West, and Hamlin offer an outstanding quality of life for residents—but rapid growth brings predictable property crime challenges. Package theft, vehicle break-ins, and vandalism aren’t going away without proactive intervention.
The 2024 crime reduction success in Horizon West (49% overall decrease) proves that targeted patrols, enhanced technology, and community collaboration work. Property managers and HOA boards who implement layered security strategies now will protect residents, reduce liability, and preserve property values.
Ready to Secure Your Property?
Two Friends Security provides 24/7 security guard and patrol services tailored specifically to Winter Garden apartment communities and HOAs. We serve Orlando and a 55-mile radius with armed and unarmed guards, mobile patrol, and emergency response.
Call (407) 953-1290 or visit our Contact page to request a free security assessment for your property within 24 hours.
Sources
This analysis is based on verified data and documented incidents from authoritative sources:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement:
- Crime in Florida Annual Reports – Winter Garden and Ocoee crime statistics (2019-2020)
Orange County Sheriff’s Office:
- 2023-2024 Annual Report – Sector III crime trends and 2024 crime reduction data
Local News and Law Enforcement:
- West Orange Times & Observer – “How safe is Horizon West?” (Sep 2022)
- West Orange Times & Observer – “Deputies arrest group of package theft suspects” (Dec 2015)
- West Orange Times & Observer – “Recent home invasions spur Horizon West residents to demand solutions” (Dec 2018)
- WFTV 9 News – “OCSO preventing package thefts this holiday” (Dec 2023)
Industry Standards and Methodology:
- ASIS International – Security Risk Assessment Standard
- International CPTED Association – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles
Additional Research:
- FBI Crime Data Explorer – Florida crime statistics (2019)
- National package theft survey data (2024)
- Two Friends Security operational experience serving Central Florida apartment communities and HOAs
Last updated: November 2025
