Security IdeasThe below topics are covered in greater depth Property managers can help reduce crime and alleviate tenant's insecurity with some simple and inexpensive residential security measurers. We have good news, and we have . . .Crime rates are on the decline in most areas of the US. In fact, according to the Department of Justice, America is experiencing the lowest crime rates in more than 30 years. However, a significant amount of crime still touches one in five people almost every year. There may indeed be less crime, but better reporting and publicity has helped make tenants more concerned than ever about being victimized in and around their "safe refuge". You need not go broke preventing break-insThe cost of providing some pretty effective security need not lead to financial hardship. There are often relatively simple, low-tech approaches that have an enormous impact on crime reduction and create a greater sense of safety for building occupants. Alarm systems, bars on windows, security guards and dogs may be necessary in some unfortunate situations, but most buildings need little more than some common sense approaches. Match the level of protection to the level of threatYou don't need too much security, but you shouldn't have too little for the type of tenants, the building, its surroundings, and history of crime in the area. Be aware of factors that can put a building at risk . Criminals recognize a vulnerable building, can you?Here are some of the things that should considered to strengthen a building's image and make it a tougher target: Keys Avoid buying off-the-shelf lock systems. Locks In almost half of all completed residential burglaries, thieves simply entered through unlocked doors or crawled through unlocked windows . Doors A lock on a flimsy door is about as effective as locking your car door but leaving the window down. Glass Glass windows and doors on the first floor of a building can actually help in deterring crime by increasing visibility, if you install laminated glass to make smashing in harder. Alarms can be a good investment, especially in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins. Parking lots and garages Assign parking spaces and number them. Boost light levels by installing more lights and painting things white. Landscaping and lighting Studies by criminologists have determined that the most effective crime deterrents are lighting and having people around. Solicit suggestions and participationTenants should always be security partners. Neighborhood Watch programs have proven to be very effective wherever they are implemented. The above topics are covered in greater depth |
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