Review of Patrol Masters Security Services. 2421 N Grand Ave, Santa Ana, CA. Our HOA switched to Patrol Masters about six months ago and the level of security service has been extremely disappointing. I live in a gated community where the procedure is very clear: all visitors must be verified with the resident before entry. This instruction is in the HOA computer system. Unfortunately, Patrol Masters guards routinely ignore this requirement and simply open the gate for unknown vehicles without calling the resident for authorization. That completely defeats the purpose of having a gated community. There is also a serious lack of professionalism at the gatehouse. One guard often sits inside the gatehouse with the lights very dim while appearing to use a phone instead of actively monitoring the entrance. Residents entering the gate are rarely acknowledged. Basic professionalism and attentiveness expected from security personnel are clearly lacking. I contacted the Patrol Masters office to request a supervisor and was refused the opportunity to speak with one. I have also sent multiple emails to HOA management about the situation, yet the problem continues. Allowing unknown vehicles into a gated residential community without resident verification creates a major security risk and potential liability. Residents pay for security services to protect the community, not to have the gates opened without proper authorization. Unless Patrol Masters improves its supervision, training, and accountability, this situation will continue to undermine the safety and trust of the residents. read more

Car is registered in my complex and they towed it still, twice. Tag was in car though the quality of the tag is so bad, I essentially had to tape it together meaning it is prone to falling off. I sent an email asking for a new one, they said they would mail it out next week, but when I didn't get it in the mail for a few weeks I emailed them back asking if it was still on the way knowing it probably never was sent... The reply I got back was what is your unit # and I was just over it. I just retaped what's left on a cardboard box whixh is. Ore reliable than this company. Why say it's on the way if they needed more information. Also, the tow company they used messed up my tire. Then said it was from a previous nail already in the car. Okay... There was a nail perfectly sealed (which I'm not convinced they didn't plant either after they saw the tire) and then actually there was just a rip/tear idk what but they probably caused it in transport as air was just hissing out once filled fully with air. Literally why any HOA chooses to partner with this company is beyond my understanding aside from the fact that I'm sure it's cheap. Literally wish 0 stars was an option sometimes on yelp read more

DO NOT USE THIS BUSINESS if you want professional service. Terrible service. Ticketed my vehicle twice in 3 month period with a handicap placard on display. I have photos of both incidents and took notes for reference. 3/31/26 Called the first time and they acknowledged the mistake/apologized and had it removed. It did make me question the ticketing employee. The hoa president contacted the manager as well to reiterate. 2 1/2 months later same thing. Ticket with placard on display. Called and explained the situation and was met with a very combative employee. She told me her name was Angela. Putting me on hold and being short and annoyed. Telling me I was wrong and that our hoa doesn't have it on our rules for exemption. That the ticket stands. Said she spoke with her manager. Not true per our rules/ hoa president communication. But she didn't really want to help so I told her I was ending the call. She didn't like that and her last words were bye (extended with attitude) as if she was in high school winning some catfight. Even though the initial ticket was 2 1/2 months ago that employee was more reasonable. He checked and verified their photos that had a ticket with a placard and he noted the account for it to be removed. I had to call back because he wasn't authorized to do it. The next person was. It was eventually taken care of. This time I expected much of the same. It already felt like too much work on my end to rectify the situation. Even though I was annoyed I understand that mistakes do happen. But when they are disregarding rules and are disrespectful and repeating in short timeframe it's no longer a mistake it's intentionally negligent. Read other reviews and make an informed decision. read more

I'm reaching out to inform you that your security "professionals" at Pier Colony @ 200 Pch, HB 92648 are extremely rude and are not trained properly in de-escalation. I witnessed a Philippine security guard threaten to pepper spray a nice couple that was sitting on the steps outside. In addition, I witnessed him escalated the situation more by saying he was gonna call the cops. I am visiting my mother at this condo she bought way back when and now I feel as though this situation makes me feel less safe. Please please train them more on being friendlier to the public. I'm worried that this certain security guard will be hostile towards my mentally disabled cousin that walks around the complex if he dosent answer his questions to his likeing. Please inform staff to not use profanity towards anyone of the public as I witnessed him say "F you, you need to leave" read more

HOA pays money, but they are never around to tow away parked cars that are not in the designated parking space or that do not have any valid registration. Called them many time about car around the community parked outside of designated parking spaces. When I called them to send out a patrol unit to the community they said they already did came out and checked but the cars are still out there parked illegally and said they only patrol on a set schedule? and would not able to send out a patrol. So why is there a even sign to call when there is problem? if they are not going to show up to take care of business. Going to HOA meeting to get all the logs of them being out here and to file a complain against this company. read more

Called Peter Costello today, and as a Community Manager I was very happy at the end of our call. He picked up immediately, and even though he was in the middle of something he gave me his undivided attention and answered all my questions. I had questions about permits at a community I manage as well as questions about fobs and cameras for a different community that I'd now like him to help quote for us. Great customer service and appreciative of all his time on the phone with me. read more

They cite me all the time when I am just staying over at my boyfriends place to spend the night. I can't even be over for more than a day because they automatically are hounding me like creeps. Very bad company and don't care at all. They have many complaints on BBB. Other people have similar experiences from Patrol Masterbaters. My boyfriend has never had parking passes till these troglodytes showed up. Bunch of male versions of a Karen, because they have nothing better to do with their lives and are so bothered people are minding their own business and living normal lives. They NEVER do security. They ONLY enforce a bunch of parking rules they came up with. They feel entitled to power trip for probably minimum wage because they're bothered people are being productive with their lives instead of wasting their time being a bunch of Karen's. read more

Garbage company. Garbage customer service. All the agents are incompetent. All of them are rude too and don't know what they are doing. Absolute scam of a company. read more

I parked in my friends complex to go to Friday prayer and a rude man driving one of these cars comes up to me giving me to much attitude saying that I wasn't allowed to park there. There are no signs or anything indicating that parking isn't allowed there and when I told him other places were full he told me to "figure it out". Extremely rude and disrespectful. I hope no one ever has to deal with these guys -- they're awful. read more

Patrol Masters colluding with towing companies!! Here is an example of a Patrol Masters parking officer colluding with towing companies. The video, recorded in September 2025, shows the officer placing a parking warning on the windshield, taking photos, and then removing it. If the car owner is unaware of the missing warning, even minor violations can result in the vehicle being towed. Patrol Masters can then rely on these photos as supposed "proof" that a warning was previously issued, should the vehicle owner contest the tow and argue they received no prior notice. Many residents in the HOA have fallen victim to this scam, but this may be the first time there is actual video evidence of it. https://imgur.com/a/patrol-masters-colluding-with-towing-companies-r7E6apO read more

The tow company's are not the problem they are just doing their job, however it 100% is patrol masters job. not only are they extremely unprofessional over the phone. as a soldier who will be deploying very soon i expressed my concerns to them because we have a family member who has been staying over to help my wife, her vehicle had been towed 3 times over a week time frame. it's extremely upsetting and i've expressed my concerns over the phone however they do not care there whole process for getting a license to park is long and if you miss anything you're not going to get a permit. Highly recommend this company gets no love and no HOA does business with them it will make your people leave fast. read more

Would give 0 stars if I could. The watch commander is NEVER there to answer the phone after normal business hours. I swear he just sits around and purposely ignores the incoming phone calls. They're running a perfect catch 22. Reporting a violation during business hours: We can't help you as patrol won't be around until 8PM Reporting a violation after business hours: No one picks up the phone. Horrendous. read more

This patrol company wrongfully towed our vehicle despite a clearly visible, valid parking permit. There was absolutely no justification for the tow, yet we were forced to deal with the stress, time loss, and financial burden caused entirely by their mistake. When we brought this to their attention, the staff were rude, dismissive, and uninterested in resolving the issue. There was no apology, no accountability -- just attitude and indifference, as if towing vehicles incorrectly is standard practice for them. What is even more concerning is that when we visited their office, there was no visible City of Anaheim business license posted, which is something legitimate businesses are required to display. If they are licensed, it certainly was not made visible to the public, raising serious questions about their compliance and professionalism. Between the failure to properly check permits, the disrespectful treatment, and the lack of transparency, this company comes across as predatory rather than professional. I strongly caution anyone who parks in areas they patrol -- even if you follow all the rules, you may still be towed and treated poorly when you question it read more

Fuck Patrol Masters and every property management company that works with them. They don't care about security. They don't keep us or our property safe in any way. I have had very expensive belongings stolen out of my garage, but they are never around for anything helpful. You can be sure tho, that if you park in the wrong spot (even if u have lived at your complex for almost a decade) they will tow your shit across town and hold it for hundreds of dollars ransom. They are seriously WORTHLESS. I cannot stand them and I don't know anybody who doesn't hate their guts. Jerks. read more

Customer Service is non existent. They routinely do not perform their duties as contracted.

if there was a way to give NO stars i would,,,, after having my nieces car towed from my gated community one day,, after unexpected visit one night,, i payed 380 to get car back,, called and followed instructions exactly as i was told, only to come back next day to see car was towed again,, when i called, was told car was on the safelist,, they dont know why it was towed, it was an unauthorized tow,, but i had to wait til someone else came in to get car released..they said i could go and pay the fee again, then work with them towards reimbursement,, or just wait til someone called me back, and they didnt know when that would be. i honestly believe they are in cahoots with the tow company and getting kickbacks.... read more

I've lived at this residence for approximately 7 years and had my car towed 2 times and my daughters 2 times and visitors 2 times , Our garage was broken into 3 times valuables stolen , my car ignition was popped out attempted stolen car , and I also got my car just recently broken into and thrashed the inside. Our complex has had the mailboxes constantly targeted for getting broken into. I feel the communication is definitely broken and they really don't provide a secure feeling only once per evening . I never did get access to my account after asking assistance for 2 years ? read more

The rudest employees answering phones, lazy "security" does a couple of drive-bys a night. They take at least an hour to respond to calls. You might as well open a window and throw your money out before hiring these bums. read more

Service was fine. Staff seemed ok. Took 10 mins on hold until someone answered (it's was apprx 530-6p).

I am extremely disappointed with every interaction I've had with this "security" company. Clearly I am not alone in this matter, I've had multiple tickets even after I've safe listed my vehicle, their website is unreliable and in turn serves no point to their "services". If you are an HOA looking to contract an enforcement company I would look elsewhere. read more

I called 3 times, not only no one picked the phone but I didn't even have the option to leave a voicemail. Is anyone working here? Idk why my HoA hires this company. read more

If I could give 0 stars, I would easily do so. Patrol Masters has the worst customer service and are very unprofessional. When emailing questions about when to renew the parking permit for the residence I am staying at, they had no idea when the renewal would be and would not give me an update either. They were very unhelpful and did not care that people were concerned about the permit renewal. The parking permit renewal is not annually, so it is quite tricky and stressful because you don't know if your car is safe or if it could get towed since there was no news about renewing. On top of that, they raised the renewal fee $50 more this year. I am currently going through the renewal process, which they have made quite difficult for me with slow response time and poor written emails. They are not clear on their application want they want and keep demanding more information that was not written on the application itself. It is almost like they do not want my money at this rate or my car to be renewed. I have sent the exact information that was required last year when going through this horrendous process, yet somehow this year, it is not good enough?? Please avoid this company as much as you can if you don't want your life to be miserable. I am not shocked to see how many bad reviews there are already on this yelp page. read more

Like everyone else I would give them 0 stars if I could. No warning no notification prior, just a straight up tow at 12:01 AM when I was going out to my car that I parked in the community that I live in. They are basically parking narcs not a security company. I don't feel safe with them around. I have actually never see them but they always seem to be around to have my car and others towed read more

This company is in league with a Costa Mesa towing company. They have been harassing us for months, and stocking my 20-year-old daughter's car. Hanging out behind her car between 10:30-11 pm. Giving her tickets for a clearly visible parking plaque in her window, accusing me of the car not being registered with the HOA. We've been here for 2 years, and it's registered. Two boys showed up and tried to intimidate me tonight, one puffed his chest, cussed at me, and wouldn't leave after they had ticketed the car. I told them to leave the car alone and stop ticketing her car, and stop hanging out at night in front of our condo. Is anyone else being harassed by this company, let me know. read more

[[[ZERO STAR REVIEW]]] My car was towed from parking within my gated community. It was not illegally parked. Patrol Masters said that my car "wasn't on the safe list." I registered my car on their website and placed my car on their "safelist" and my car was towed AGAIN citing that I needed a permit. I wasn't even parked in a spot marked "permit only." I applied for a permit over a week ago and haven't heard back. Based on the rules they're enforcing, my car can basically be towed at their discretion at any time, regardless of the rules and they actually say that on their website. I went back to my HOA rules and none of the rules they're enforcing are in it. I moved to tis community on August 1st and, to date, I've paid nearly $1200 in towing charges with no recourse. They do all the citing and towing in the still of the night when no one is out or awake. The tow company employee expressed that "the patrol company and HOA aren't on the same page" and that this company has a history of predatory towing practices - with a lot of issues within my community. This prompted me to look them up online and I found a treasure trove of negative reviews here, on Google, complaints on other sites, lawsuits and a BBB "F rating". How they are still in business is BEYOND me!!!! read more

Was at friends condo in Laguna Niguel doing some work. Tried calling Patrol Masters 4 times from 1130pm to Midnight to whitelist a truck we were in and out of getting tools. No answer on their phone so kept trying. The truck in question was parked in front of my half open garage door and the front door was open also. This was not an issue of Patrol Masters calling a tow truck that was parked without being white listed way past curfew of Midnight. At 12:02 am not 5 minutes past the last time the tailgate was accessed for tools we here a loud noise! Ran outside and this tow truck had backed up to our truck and was already hooked up and lifting it. We told them we had been calling the past 30 minutes to whitelist it. This conversation was with the tow driver and the Patrol Masters driver. We were helping a friend we a leaky plumbing issue, git hooked 1 to two minutes past midnight and they wouldn't budge even though their office was not answering the phone. Even called twice 8n front of Patrol Masters driver to prove they were not answering the phone to whitelist the truck, he laughed at that. Patrol masters said we should have whitelisted it on the website. Said we could pick the truck up tomorrow after 10. Well that won't do, plumbers work at the crack of dawn. We ask can we pay the full amount now. He says no. Extra large truck tow and storage is going to be about $600. 5 minutes and after an upset home owner was told to go F××k herself by the Patrol Masters driver, the tow driver finally agreed to a $150 cash extortion / ransom fee with no receipt to release the never fully lifted truck. No doubt this ransom was split with the Patrol Masters driver and the tow driver, likely discussed as they lay in wait watching us get tools in and out of the truck the past 20 minutes or so. This was not parking enforcement, it was a planned extortion conspiracy and total BS. I'd be willing to bet these two wankers pill this this at least a few times a week likely surpassing the hourly pay of their employers while ripping off both their employer and the public. I wonder how many cars they store in their own not telling their bosses if get are willing to try what they did on Wednesday Night June 28th 2022 This was a stake out, a truck knapping, and an under the table $150 cash ransom they didn't pay taxes on. read more

Patrol Masters, Inc. - Patrol Masters Cash Grahlb - Security Services Near Me - Santa Ana, California

My hoa hires these guys and it's simply a waste of money. They do a quick drive by ignoring actual crime like break ins and burglaries which have recently increased, and instead give residents fake parking tickets that prove how inept they are. I've just received yet another fake parking ticket for "possible non movement of vehicle". I drive the car daily. I usually park in the same spot, in front of my house, so I kinda understand how they can be confused. The day I got the latest "ticket" I had been gone for two days! Since they've given me perhaps 5 tickets for the same thing, in the same place, over the last few months, wouldn't you think they'd notice? read more

I have had my ladies car here for over 2 years and safe listed almost every weekend. I messed and fell asleep on the 29th of June and 2mos the later I fell asleep and did not safelist and they towed it. They have seen this car for 2 straight years almost every weekend. You woul think they could safe list it as there are days available. $432 dollars to get my ladies car back. Pee poor customer service. Please do not ever do business with this company. read more

Incredibly unprofessional company that attempts to antagonize their clients. Then they refuse to provide their HR or CEOs email to file a direct compliant with them. Sammy Ahmad - I'd love to discuss your company's policies & procedures sometime in person. Thanks Peter & Anita for the consistently horrific customer service. Yet another 1-star review! Congratulations! read more

I had a confirmed safelist for the day and when I woke up my car was towed from my own home. I've done this process multiple times and had the same confirmation and was never cited or towed, but when I woke up this morning my car was gone. The tow company was in Mission Viejo despite the patrol company being located in Santa Ana and my community being in Tustin. I spoke with others in the community and they all claim to have been towed by various tow companies all over Orange county which leads me to believe that this company may not have a single tow company they use, or are being opportunistic. Reading the other reviews this seems likely. I have pictures and a printed document of my safelist but the company will not honor it. When asked they responded by saying it was already towed and they wont do anything about it. I spoke with the police who informed me of the tow and they confirmed that this company and others like it engage in these types of activities and that unfortunately they cant do anything about it. The tow company also confirmed that many of the jobs they are called out on are to tow cars from their owner's property (classified as Private Property Tow) but they have no idea and are just doing what Patrol masters is asking them to do. My only option was to call Patrol masters with my safelist confirmation number but they refused to do anything about it, so I guess I'm out of luck and just another victim. read more

my car just park in front of my garage, a fat guy from patrol master put a ticket on ut and after call south side towing company which damage my car while towed, read more

Patrol Masters, Inc. - Security Services Near Me - Santa Ana, California

It's a shame you can't leave negative stars, they are not even deserving of a single star. Rude and disrespectful to the community members of which they service. Their administration services are the worst imaginable. Uneducated upon the policies of the communities of which they contract to serve. This company needs to hire an outside HR company to get them in line, it's like dealing with bunch of rude teenagers. read more

Man I wish I can give the negative stars! My car was safe listed and was towed anyway because they claim that I provided them with a "0" on my license plate but it's actually an "O"!!! Make, model, and the rest of the license plate number is correct and they decided to tow my car based off of a 0/O debate! Like WHAT?! I have two small children (2y &7m) and they towed my car seats and expected me to go pick up the car!! ON TOP OF THAT they chose a towing Company that isn't the usual towing company of the complex. ARROW TOWING. Look them up. They have reviews saying that they bribe individual security guards to tow cars which I am convinced clearly happened in my situation. I just picked up my car that I've had for only two weeks and there's a dent on the the front passenger door. I will be taking this to small claims. This is ridiculous. read more

Patrol Masters, Inc. - Car damage due to their incompetence - Security Services Near Me - Santa Ana, California

were unclear about how warnings worked and towed my car at 3am, 1 hour after posting a notice on my windshield (cuz you know, everyone is awake and checking on their car at 3am) all because a mistake was made on the safelist on their site. The person answering the phone even acknowledged that the mistake was clear and still was just like 'yeah you'll still have to pay the towing company' which charged me 400$. read more

Doesn't PAY ON TIME. Supervisors are pervs! Was told I would get a new post but got sent a final stub which doesn't match what was sent via text. Owner sends women to unsafe post with no protection no cameras. read more

Do not use this company they are fraudsters be careful if you park in their HOA even if you have a parking permit they still write you fines will try to tell you to make money total scam when you call him they hang up on you beware I will file with the BBB and with the City attorney for predatory Towing read more

It's amazing how a business can be consistently incompetent yet still be trusted to perform a job during the most vulnerable time for everyone. This is more or less a continuation of my previous complaint which is parking passes. I live somewhere where passes are required. Been here for over 3 years. I have one on my Rear view mirror or dash at all times. A few weeks ago I woke up to find yet another warning on my vehicle.(I've lost count of how many I've gotten at this point). This ticket specified that my vehicle was not in the "Safelist". In the years that I've lived here, not once have we been told by HOA or management that we are to enroll in anything for parking. So I call these people again to get to the bottom of it. Right away the girl on the phone was distracted with something. I gave her my citation # and name and she was having trouble finding it. She placed me on hold for a few minutes. She picked back up and she read back the citation and explained that I needed to enroll in this "safelist" or my car would be in danger of being towed. I told her I've lived there a while and had never been told to do any of this. She asked me again for my address and put me on hold a second time. A after reviewing the address she told me that Indeed our comunity did not have that particular requirement so I have no need to enroll BUT unbeknownst to me, the security guard who issued the citation, mentioned that they couldn't see my parking permit. Again, going back to my previous review, the guards never cary lights. Apparently he also took a photo from 15ft away with no flashlight. I told the lady that I always have my permit visible and maybe it's the guards fault for not looking closer. I asked her why their guards never cary lights during their night shifts and her answer blew my mind. She said "We don't want residents to think that someone's trying to steal from their cars". I was shook. I then I asked, why would anyone think that if your vehicle is clearly tagged and marked with your name in big letters and your guards are in uniform? Why would your patrol guards come at night with no flashlights? How would you be able to spot activity? That's like having unarmed police patrol violent neighborhoods. She couldn't provide an answer for me and I asked to talk to her supervisor. Conveniently her boss was "on lunch" and she told me to call back. So I did an hour later and she sounded nervous almost like she thought I wasnt. She knew it was me right away and almost instantly told me that she would remove the citation from my record. I forgot her name but I had it just in case I got wrongfully towed. Never got towed and haven't got a citation. Not yet anyway... If you ever have to deal with these people, take photos, videos and read those citations they leave, you may be wrongfully cited. This is my 2nd review on these people. read more

Most unprofessional and ILLEGAL towing establishment in California. This company does absolutely no patrolling or security what so ever. What they do do is illegally tow residents vehicles with and illegal cut from the local tows. Hope every person working here is cursed behind belief.. read more

Absolutely horrible customer service you not only have to send an application. You have to call several days later. Make sure they got it because they get so many applications they might have shredded it. Gotta love that response. read more

Amber who answers calls after hours is incompetent and should not be working with the public. I called to put a car on SafeList. She says she can't do this, but will leave a message for the morning. I tell her SafeList is to register OVERNIGHT cars in parking spots and leaving a message in the morning defeats this purpose. Amber was extremely rude and kept talking over me as I was trying to explain, yes, calling Patrol Masters will do this service. She kept putting me on hold and then hanging up on me. I finally got through to Supervisor Mel who said Amber was wrong as our Association allows this. Amber is a joke and needs to be fired. read more