By definition, being an apartment manager is tough, hence the root word – manage. In addition to all of the everyday concerns, apartment managers must worry about apartment security and the safety of tenants. To alleviate some of those concerns, the following is a list of seven security tips to assist managers in recognizing and preventing security problems.
Keep Things Current
It is important to keep security systems up to date and test them regularly. Be aware of and seek out weak areas in your security system and protocols. Regularly test locks, lighting, and perimeter fences. Keep in mind, however, that no matter how up to date or complex your security system is, it is not foolproof.
Be Sure You Can Easily Identify Staff
Most people picture a security threat as a masked person with a weapon. The truth is that most criminals actually try to dress like maintenance workers to confuse tenants. Regularly screening staff and ensuring that management and residents can identify workers or authorized contractors is vital for proper security measures.
The Outside Counts
Wait. What? The look of the property on the outside can significantly affect the overall security of the complex. Do not allow criminals to believe that no action will be taken if they commit a crime against the property. One broken window means more are likely to get broken. Trash on the grounds invites people to leave more. The formal criminology theory at work in these examples is known as “The Broken Window Theory.” This theory states that crime is significantly more evident in areas not properly maintained. A well-kept and maintained property almost guarantees an immediate decrease in crime.
Establish Crime Prevention Among Staff and Residents
Conducting regular screenings and checks on residents as well as staff. This will not only help limit security threats but will also make tenants feel a little safer in the process. Training and alerting residents and staff to potential threats establish a very effective crime deterrent within that community. Always encourage tenants to keep their doors locked and keep valuables out of sight whenever possible. Management should inform residents as well as staff about how and when to report suspicious activity, as well as advise them on what to do in emergency situations. Property criminals often use infiltration as a tactic. Do not let them get the upper hand by communicating directly with residents.
Preventive Security Measures
Preventing crime is important in maintaining security in an apartment community. Criminals like the darkness. Lighting the property is an important preventive security measure is highly recommended not only to keep criminals away but also make the residents feel a little safer. Consider installing cameras to monitor the perimeter of the complex. Cameras keep you aware of the activities of suspicious visitors. If hiring a posted guard is not an option, a vehicle patrol represents a good option for providing an extra level of security. The patrol offers both visibility and peace of mind. Let the experts do what they do best.
How Much Does Good Apartment Security Cost?
Obviously, not every single property is the same. Remember that some things might work better for you than others. Consequently, no firm amount on security costs exists. Security companies consider many variables when considering security protocols for a given property. Armed or unarmed officers, vehicle patrols or standing guards, the likelihood of incidents occurring on your property, etc., all feed into proposed security considerations. Two or three patrols may run anywhere from $300-$1,000 a month depending on the property. Despite the apparent complexity of security pricing, one thing is clear – any amount spent on security, however small, reaps results beneficial to the property.
Why the Little Things Matter
Preventing crime on a property takes more than just security cameras and guards. Preventing crime starts with the little things. Walk the property at least once a day. Criminals often break lights and return later to work in darkness. Check for vandalism, suspicious objects, and even suspicious vehicles. Get to know the residents. Keeping oneself informed about crime in the area is always a good plan. Know the area better than the criminals. Always keep the upper hand.
Managing an apartment property represents a huge responsibility. Do not add to that responsibility by “inviting” someone to make trouble on the property.
Use this list, therefore, to begin building proper and effective security protocols.