Apartments and condos have different factors that affect building security. Unlike single-family homes, apartment and condo residents have more neighbors coming and going all year long. There are also a variety of different visitors streaming in and out of the complex at all times. So, security should be a top priority for the managers of condo and apartment properties. However, it’s usually the first area cut when it comes to budget restraints. Here are some security measures to implement in multifamily complexes.
24/7 Monitored Security Systems for Condos Cameras
Most complexes install security cameras, but for effective condo security, common-area coverage should be targeted to the property’s highest-risk spots and installed without unnecessary damage rather than placed generically, because common areas in condos are vulnerable to theft and damage. Video cameras provide critical evidence for solving criminal incidents that occur on the property. However, unmonitored cameras aren’t proactive. Cloud-based systems enable remote monitoring of condo security, giving managers and authorized staff visibility without being on-site.
Monitored security cameras catch crimes in progress, and a monitored security system with professional monitoring is one option, while self monitoring may fit smaller budgets or simpler condo setups, with the central station notifying law enforcement, on-site security guards, and building management immediately through a monitoring service. Fast notifications allow responding resources to intervene or at the very least gather more information. Plus, it takes less time than scrolling through video footage.
Constant monitoring provides live video footage of the property and makes residents feel safer. They also work to prevent crime as suspects are less likely to commit crimes in front of video security. Package theft affects 1 in 7 Americans annually, so camera placement should also cover mailrooms and package areas. You can place cameras in stairwells and underneath stairs where assaults are more likely to happen. The enhanced security that monitored video cameras provide is priceless if it stops just one assault or more serious crimes. Before choosing among the best security systems, set a budget for equipment plus ongoing monitoring fees to build comprehensive security.
Integrated Access Control Security Systems
Access control systems are a core part of security systems for condos and security systems for apartments because they help address common security concerns in shared residential properties and control access throughout the property. Install access control at the pool, laundry room, manager’s office, and other resident-only areas to prevent unauthorized access to these places. The most common security concerns and security challenges here include theft, property damage, and unauthorized access. In fact, 59% of unauthorized access incidents occur in condominiums.
You can really increase security by installing smart locks and video intercom systems in the main lobby as part of an apartment security system and condo building security systems to provide secure access and grant access to residents, visitors, and maintenance workers. Video intercoms allow residents to visually verify visitors. This security system can supplement on-property security personnel and replace doormen altogether for a less expensive and more secure security solution.
These are just two main components of vital condo building security systems, including multifamily residential security systems and apartment building security systems. As multifamily residential security solutions, access control, alarms, cameras, and other systems offer seamless integration with existing security systems. Together with other security systems, they strengthen physical security across the property. Cloud-based access control allows remote management of security, supports remote access, and helps property managers or security teams provide the right security system through one platform, enabling security teams to manage the security system remotely for apartment owners and property managers. For more information, contact Accel Communications to discuss the options available to enhance security on your property.
In 2017, law enforcement only solved 17.6 percent of property crimes. Commercial burglaries only take seconds to commit and reap over a billion dollars of profit for criminals. The crime of burglary represents a significant share of serious crimes in the United States, and businesses are frequent targets, especially small businesses.
To ensure that your business is secure, you must think like an intruder. Here are a few simple ideas that you can use in combination with professional burglar alarm monitoring and video surveillance to enhance security.
Account for All Keys to the Business
Not everyone is as honest as we’d like to believe. Past employees can use keys to the business to gain easy access. Also, current employees can make copies of their keys and pass them to criminals or use them for illegal purposes.
Of course, you can’t go around mistrusting everyone, but there are some precautions you can take. Keep records of the keys you distribute and make sure employees return them whenever they leave your business. Instead of having one master key for every door, change the locks on doors to different areas so that they are different. Code the keys so that only employees know which locks they go to.
Use Sturdy Locks and Smart Locks for Enhanced Security on the Exterior Doors
If you think like a burglar, you’ll realize that simple locks are easier to break. However, a sturdy lock discourages most criminals and makes it difficult for the brazen criminal to gain access, especially in condo units where ground-floor units are at higher risk for break-ins. The best condo systems for individual units are often wireless, easy to install, and designed to avoid wall damage. Experts suggest that pin-cylinder locks provide the best protection for your business because they are challenging to pick.
The lock you choose should be a deadbolt that requires a knob or key to lock it, ideally paired with door and window sensors. In home security, many home security systems and security systems for renters use wireless devices instead of hardwired installation so they work with HOA-regulated walls, and diy security systems can be a practical fit for condo living. These locks can’t be released by sliding a card through to pop it open or a piece of celluloid between the jam and edge. The celluloid technique is popular because it works on door locks that automatically catch as the door closes.
Wireless devices are also easier to dismantle and move, which helps renters keep portable setups without risking a security deposit.
Burglars hate double-cylinder locks that require a key to open them from either side. These locks make it very difficult for a burglar to exit once he gains entry to the building. You can also add an entry sensor, a bar to the rear door or over skylights, windows, and other openings.
Use Lighting Inside and Outside to Illuminate the Building
Burglars do their best work in the dark. Install a lot of lighting outside and inside your business to reduce the chances that a criminal will pick your building to break into. Flood light over entry points such as vents, windows, and doors, and use alarm systems and motion sensors to complement lighting around entry points and shared exterior areas; for fire safety, those alarms should also detect smoke and carbon monoxide.
Modern security systems often combine lighting with sensors for better apartment building security. The right setup should provide smart home compatibility through smartphones and smart home devices, with advanced home automation features.
Criminals often bypass lights by breaking them. Metallic and mercury vapor lights are virtually unbreakable. It’s best to arrange interior lighting to illuminate anyone inside of the building so they are visible when police patrol.
These are just a few ideas where thinking like a burglar enables you to secure your property and prevent break-ins. If you constantly think like a thief when evaluating the security of your business, you may find creative ways to thwart criminal activity.
ABOUT Accel Communications, Inc.
Accel Communications has operated in the Greater Arizona area since 1990 as a full-service security alarm company that sells, installs, monitors, and services fire and security systems, with expert support for professionally installed systems and professional installation. They are the leader in Honeywell Fire, Brivo Web-Based Access Control, Eagle Eye and Flexwatch CCTV camera systems, and DMP Security.
Property managers comparing the best apartment security systems or best home security systems should determine a budget that includes equipment costs, potential monitoring fees, and whether they want a local security company in Phoenix or a national provider, as well as whether they want professional installation.
Accel’s security professionals can help compare apartment security needs for apartment complexes and multifamily properties, including emergency services response, when evaluating customized Arizona commercial security systems or integrated video management solutions for businesses to identify the top five security systems or best security cameras for a property. To learn more about the company’s history and values, review Accel Communications’ background as Arizona security experts.