How to Secure Your Apartment: Tips to Protect Against Burglary and Home Invasion | By Jordan Frankel

Many apartment and condo residents mistakenly believe their homes are less at risk of burglary or home invasion than single-family homes. This false sense of security often stems from the proximity of neighbors and security features like gates, fences, and guards. However, understanding how to secure your apartment is critical, as statistics show that apartment and condo residents are more likely to experience these crimes.

Why Apartments Are at Higher Risk

According to the National Crime Prevention Council, apartment and condo residents are over 80% more likely to experience a burglary or home invasion than single-family homes. Data from the 2018 Criminal Victimization Report shows that U.S. households faced approximately 13.5 property crimes, with 2.6 million involving burglary or trespassing.

Why the higher risk? Many apartment residents lack sufficient security measures, such as alarm systems and surveillance cameras, which are more common in single-family homes and businesses. Additionally, high population density and frequent traffic in apartment complexes make it easier for criminals to go unnoticed.

How to Secure Your Apartment

Understanding how to secure your apartment involves implementing multiple layers of security. By combining lighting, alarms, door reinforcements, and other measures, you can significantly reduce your risk.

Lighting and Timers

Proper lighting deters burglars by eliminating dark areas where intruders could hide.

• Use timers to turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off while you’re away to give the appearance someone is home.
• Ensure hallways, stairways, sidewalks, and entryways are well-lit.
• Install a motion-activated security light outside entry doors and on balconies.

Security Alarm Systems

Alarm systems are essential when learning how to secure your apartment. They alert you and others to potential danger.

• Choose a system with a loud siren, motion sensors, and glass-breakage detection.
• Display alarm signage prominently to deter criminals.
• Opt for a system with cellular capabilities to ensure functionality during power outages.

Entry Door Security

Doors are often the weakest link in apartment security. Reinforce them with the following:

• Replace standard peepholes with wide-angle lenses for a better view of visitors.
• Install heavy-duty deadbolts and reinforce door hinges with 3-inch steel screws.
• Equip doors that swing inward with a security door brace to make them resistant to kicking or forced entry.

Window and Sliding Glass Door Security

Windows and sliding doors are another common point of entry. Strengthen them with these tips:

• Place solid wood or metal rods in sliding door tracks to prevent them from being opened.
• Use security window film on accessible windows and sliding doors. This film makes glass harder to break and deters intruders.
• Assess nearby landscaping, such as trees or fences, that might help intruders access second-floor balconies or windows.

Landscaping and Perimeter Security

Your apartment’s surroundings play a significant role in security.

• Trim shrubs and bushes near windows and entryways to eliminate hiding spots for intruders.
• If you notice risky landscaping features like climbable trees or poorly lit areas, report them to your property manager.

Personal Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Knowing how to secure your apartment extends beyond physical security devices. Personal safety plans are equally important:

• Create an emergency plan for different scenarios, including exit strategies for fires or home invasions.
• Consider converting a small room or closet into a safe room for emergencies. A safe room offers a secure place to hide while waiting for law enforcement.
• Never answer the door to strangers, even if they claim to be delivery personnel or utility workers.

Why Security Layers Matter

When securing your apartment, layering your defenses is key. Combining multiple strategies, such as lighting, alarms, reinforced doors, and personal safety plans, makes it significantly harder for intruders to succeed.

The Value of Securing Your Apartment

Learning how to secure your apartment is about more than just protecting your belongings. It’s about ensuring your personal safety and peace of mind. By taking proactive steps, you can reduce your risk and make your home less appealing to potential intruders.

Invest in the security measures discussed here, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a safer, more secure living environment.