Safety is one of the most important attributes that people look for when moving into a new property. In fact, it’s become even more of a priority due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, it’s not always obvious how you can improve your apartment security to make it as efficient as possible.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to keep your property safe.
- Video Monitoring
One of the most straightforward ways to increase the overall security of your apartment complex is to install carefully placed video cameras throughout the property.
These serve to accomplish three tasks on their own:
- You can use them to remotely monitor the property
- They can record evidence that can be used against a criminal
- The presence of cameras often deters people from committing crimes in that location
When determining the best spot to install them, it should be in a place that is not easily accessed, which also provides a thorough view of the surrounding area.
- Security Systems
Unfortunately, break-ins aren’t uncommon, even in locations such as apartment complexes.
A home security system, though, can help alert tenants when an unwanted guest is entering their unit. They also provide plenty of peace of mind for families, as the system can be armed before everyone goes to sleep at night.
- Hire Security Guards
Similar to how cameras deter criminals from targeting people or property in the surrounding area, the presence of a security guard can accomplish the same task on a larger scale.
Guards can be contacted to investigate suspicious behavior, perform routine checks of the property, and make note of anything out of the ordinary that can then be reported to the landlord or the police.
For even more security, having a security guard at the front gate who inspects vehicles before allowing them to enter the property can drastically improve the safety of your complex.
- Take Reports Seriously
In the event that you don’t have security guards on-site, there’s a chance that tenants will report any suspicious activity to you instead. This is particularly true if the person in question that is reported happens to live in the complex.
If you do happen to receive reports, it’s important to take them seriously and follow up with the individual who contacted you. There’s a high chance that this information can be used to either prevent or resolve a crime.
- Install Stronger Locks
When it comes to locks, you often get what you pay for. This means that cheap locks are typically insufficient when it comes to protecting apartment units, offices, etc.
Not only are more expensive locks stronger, but they’re also more difficult to compromise. This means that someone who is attempting to pick a high-quality lock will have to spend more time doing so, increasing the chances of them getting caught.
In combination with security guards and security cameras, it’s unlikely that a break-in will ever occur on your property.
- Lighting
Poorly-lit areas are the ideal location for criminals to function. Not only is the victim unlikely to notice the criminal’s presence, but the person responsible for the crime can also escape with little fear of being identified.
With this in mind, it’s imperative that your entire complex has sufficient lighting.
This applies to parking lots, as well. Even if buildings and units have plenty of lights installed outside of them, darker corners of the parking lot can still prove to be a threat to residents.
When considering what type of lighting to install, it’s recommended to take into account the utility that motion-activated lighting provides. Not only will you use less energy while there is no foot traffic nearby, the sudden activation of this type of lighting naturally draws people to look over toward it.
This means that any crime committed near a motion-activated light is likely to result in the criminal being easily identified by those who are nearby.
- Install Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells provide tenants with the capability to see who is at their doorstep, even if they aren’t home at the time. Although peepholes are the most common solution to identify someone who’s at your door, they can easily be covered by criminals.
In fact, they don’t need to be covered by the criminal’s hand.
For example, someone who is attempting to lure a tenant outside of their home may place a strip of duct tape over the peephole. Then, they might cause some sort of commotion (other than knocking on the door) that will garner the tenant’s interest.
When they noticed that peephole covered, they may open the door to gain insight into what’s occurring outside their home.
Although it can be expensive to install smart doorbells add a large number of units, this cost can be mitigated by dispersing it across the rent payments within the lease. Fortunately, units with this technology are also highly attractive to buyers, so the expense is often worth it in the long run.
Maximizing Your Apartment Security Can Seem Difficult
With the above information about optimizing your apartment security in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward minimizing the risk for both you and all of your tenants.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.
