Apartment Security Tips: Protect Your Home Beyond Advertised Security Amenities | By Jordan Frankel
When it comes to feeling safe in your apartment, those advertised amenities like gates or security patrols might sound comforting, but they’re not always enough. Even in a “gated community,” determined criminals can still find ways in. The good news? Keeping your home secure is something you can take into your own hands with a few smart, simple steps. In this article, home security expert, Jordan Frankel, will share some of his top apartment security tips to help keep you and your property safe.
The perception that apartments and condos are inherently safer because of their close proximity to neighbors or their security features is misleading. Statistics paint a starkly different picture. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, apartment and condo residents face an 85% higher risk of burglary than those living in single-family homes.
In 2018 alone, the U.S. saw approximately 13.5 million property crimes, with 2.6 million involving burglary. This heightened risk can be attributed to several factors:
To bridge this gap, residents must take an active role in securing their homes.
Securing your apartment requires a multi-layered approach. From adequate lighting to advanced security devices, these tips can help you safeguard your space.
Proper lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective crime deterrents. Criminals thrive in darkness, so eliminating poorly lit areas around your apartment can reduce the risk of burglary or assault.
Here’s how to use lighting effectively:
An alarm system is one of the most critical components of apartment security. While it cannot prevent someone from attempting to break in, it can deter them and alert you to danger.
For maximum effectiveness, your alarm system should include:
Display alarm company signage prominently near your door or window to deter potential intruders before they act.
Entry points like doors and windows are the most vulnerable areas of your apartment. Taking steps to fortify them can make it significantly harder for intruders to gain access.
Landscaping might seem unrelated to security, but shrubs, trees, and other features can provide cover for criminals.
No list of apartment security tips is complete without emphasizing personal safety. Beyond securing your physical space, you need a plan for various scenarios.
Many apartment complexes market themselves as “gated communities” to imply safety and reduced crime. However, gates, fences, and security patrols offer minimal resistance to determined intruders. Gates can often be bypassed, and guards may not be present during every shift.
Security features provided by the property are beneficial but should never be your only line of defense. For example:
Ultimately, your safety depends on your proactive efforts. Advertised amenities might deter opportunistic criminals, but they cannot replace personalized, layered security measures. By implementing these apartment security tips, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of being targeted by burglars or intruders.
Securing your apartment requires effort, but the peace of mind it provides is invaluable. From improved lighting to advanced security devices, taking proactive steps ensures your home is protected.
Criminals often look for the easiest target, and by applying these apartment security tips, you can make your home far less appealing to them. Whether you live in a gated community or not, the responsibility for your safety ultimately rests with you.
Click here for more street-smart security tips by home security expert Jordan Frankel.