Are you relying on others to report crimes in your condo community? One of the biggest problems in a condo, apartment, or town home community is that people think that their neighbours are reporting crimes when often nobody actually is. Larlyn’s Condo Management team has organized the top crime prevention tips for condo owners to keep communities safe and reduce unreported crime.
Why Crimes Go Unreported in a Condo Community
When a theft or other petty crime occurs in your condo community, there is a presumption that a neighbour, building staff, or property manager has reported the crime. Other times, a crime goes unreported because people believe nothing can be done, or perhaps due to a fear that insurance premiums may increase. Unfortunately, this contradicts the expectations of the police, who count on condo residents to be their eyes and ears. As a result, a majority of crimes go unreported which prevent police from being aware of and addressing crimes causing repeat offences.
Statistically, condos are less vulnerable to break-ins than other forms of housing. However, most of all break and enters are preventable. Active participation from condo residents and owners is always necessary to maintain security.
Top Condo Crime Prevention Tips
1. Set Up Security Systems
Installing cameras, sensors, and employing alarm systems is an effective deterrent to crime. When burglars know that security systems are present, they will be discouraged by the risk of being detected as soon as they break in. The effectiveness of security systems is amplified when combined with other measures, such as surveillance cameras, neighbourhood watch programs, and well-lit exteriors.
2. Close Your Blinds & Curtains
Installing blinds or curtains in your condo serves as an effective way to maintain your privacy by preventing nosy passersby from peering inside. In areas with a lot of traffic, the likelihood of unwanted onlookers increases, making it all the more important to have these window coverings. Additionally, when your curtains are left open, particularly during nighttime, it becomes quite easy for outsiders to spot valuable items such as televisions, electronics, and other expensive possessions.
3. Store Valuables in a Safe
To safeguard your valuables — such as cash, jewelry, and heirlooms — consider storing them in a secure safe. In the unfortunate event that an intruder gains access to your home, a safe adds an extra hurdle, making it considerably more challenging to steal your prized possessions. By investing in a safe, you ensure that your critical and irreplaceable belongings remain secure, providing you with peace of mind and an enhanced sense of security in your condo.
4. Get to Know Your Neighbours & Management
The more familiar you are with your neighbours and the condo management, the more adept you become at identifying strangers. When you move into a condo community, make an effort to get to know the people living around you. Neighbours who are acquainted with one another are more likely to look out for each other, which can be particularly beneficial if any suspicious activity occurs near your home.
Crime Prevention & Condo Security Tips Recommended By Police:
To prevent crimes in condos, the police recommend the following tips:
- Do not allow trespassers to follow you through doorways.
- Do not circumvent security by preventing doors from locking. Avoid placing door stops, stones or twigs in the door’s pathway to defeat an auto locking mechanism.
- Take pictures or video of valuables so they can be used as proof in the event of theft.
- Periodically change the location of stored valuables.
- Do not leave valuables visible to view in a vehicle.
- Use a chain to secure motorcycles and bicycles.
- Report ALL crimes to the police.
- Take down license plate numbers of vehicles where the occupants are suspicious to you. You can forward the information if an occurrence is reported to police officers.
How We Can Help
Larlyn Property Management specializes in comprehensive condo management services, providing property owners, investors, and communities with expert guidance and support. Our commitment to excellence and customer trust ensures informed decision-making that enhances the value and functionality of your property.
