How to Protect Your Apartment from Burglary
Unfortunately for all the good folks in Nashville’s shiny new high-rises, just because your pad is sky-high doesn’t mean it’s immune to burglaries. Many apartment owners just assume their landlord’s security measures are enough to protect what they value most, yet this strategy fails a heartbreaking number of times. And while it may seem like most home security products are marketed towards homeowners or those who rent full houses, you’d be relieved to discover the bounty of home security options that are perfect for apartments. Read on to learn what you can do to protect your apartment from a robbery.
Before Moving In
There are a number of precautions you can take in selecting an apartment that will give you a layer of security before you’ve even moved in.
Check local crime. Before you pick an apartment, see what crime is like in the surrounding neighborhood. Check if the particular complex was robbed recently. Learning about the area will help inform you about the general risk you’d be taking on by living there. Wondering what the 5 safest neighborhoods in Nashville are? We’ve done the investigative work for you!
Investigate the entry system. Check the apartment’s existing security measures. Determine whether it’s easy for random people to walk in off the street, and find out if and how the apartment screens visitors.
Pay attention to the building facilities. Apartments complexes are, well, complex, and offer many different opportunities to potential burglars. See if they have external fire escapes, and if so, check to make sure the ladders aren’t accessible from the ground. Observe the lighting, and try to note dark places where burglars could lurk.
Focus on the condition of the apartment. Is the building generally run down? A dingy apartment building could be a sign of a careless landlord, who might also be careless about the apartment’s overall security.
Physical Protection
Once you’re living in an apartment, you can follow these tips to protect yourself even more.
Exercise common sense. Follow the tried and true knowledge you’ve had since you were a kid. Always lock the door. Check that your windows are locked. Consider getting a safe, and even bolting it down (if your landlord will let you) to ensure a thief doesn’t just run with it.
Change the locks. While your landlord probably said they changed the locks, a shocking number of lock changes are just rotating or recycling locks from other apartments. Ask your landlord for a brand new lock to ensure someone with an old key can’t get lucky.
Add what you can. Burglars rely on tenants being unable to invest in beefing up their security. If your apartment lacks a peephole and deadbolt, ask your landlord about installing one. Deadbolts are great at stopping intruders, as opposed to chain locks that can break with a good kick. Peepholes enable you to screen who’s at the door from behind your safety measures, rather than expose yourself every time you get a knock. Consider reinforcements like a heavier strike plate on your door to prevent it from being kicked in.
Secure balconies and sliding doors. At the end of the day, a balcony is no different than any other entrance and a determined burglar can use it as a point of entry. Sliding doors are notoriously easy to break into, so consider adding bar locks or poles to make them more secure.
Other Tips
Consider monitoring systems. It’s a brave new world, and advancements in technology have created new opportunities for apartment safety. Wireless camera systems like the Arlo don’t require modifications to the property that your landlord might not allow, and they let you keep tabs on your apartment times from your smartphone.
Get to know your neighbors. While it might make it harder to sleep, the fact that noise travels between apartments works in your favor when it comes to robberies. Strange or loud noises are highly noticeable in apartments, and being familiar with your neighbors increases the likelihood they take action if they think something’s amiss.
Invest in renters insurance. If all else fails, renters insurance policies can reimburse you for the value of your possessions if they’re stolen. The landlord’s insurance typically only covers them for physical damage to the building. Renters insurance can also protect you in a liability lawsuit if you’re somehow found responsible for damage to another tenant’s property. Take the time to guarantee that you have a policy in place for if the unthinkable happens, so you have the ease of mind of knowing you’ll be compensated.
If you’d like to consult a professional to maximize your apartment’s security, contact NCA Alarms today.