Even if your apartment building has surveillance cameras and buzzers, it can still be vulnerable to burglars. A multi-layered security system can make it easy to become complacent and make careless mistakes which allow thieves to steal valuables. Here are some tips to keep your belongings safe.
Make Sure Only People You Trust Have Keys
Before you move into a new apartment, make sure the lock has been changed or rekeyed. A former tenant, plus his or her family members and friends, could still have keys. That means that if the lock wasn’t changed or rekeyed, a stranger could potentially walk into your apartment at any time.
If you lose a key in or near your apartment building, or if you lose your key and identification together, contact the landlord or management company immediately and ask to have the lock changed. You may have to pay a fee, but it’s better than having someone waltz into your home and steal your expensive possessions.
Lock up Your Apartment
It only takes a moment for a burglar to enter an apartment, grab valuables, and disappear. Thieves are often able to get into homes because people leave their doors or windows unlocked. Always lock your apartment, even if you are just going to get your mail or to talk to a neighbor down the hall. Keep windows locked, especially if you live on the ground floor. If you have a sliding door, use a pole in the track to improve security.
Know Who Belongs There
Get to know your neighbors, as well as apartment staff and maintenance workers. Note unfamiliar faces and report any suspicious activity to management or to the police. If you need to go away, ask a neighbor you trust to keep an eye on your apartment.
Hide Valuables
If someone is coming to install or fix something in your apartment, hide valuables, such as a laptop, jewelry, and credit cards. Even if the person doesn’t steal anything at that time, he or she could be looking for valuables to come back and steal later.
Make People Think You’re Home
If you need to be away from your apartment for a while, or if you work at night, creating the impression that someone is home can deter burglars. You can set timers or use a smartphone app to control the lights from any location.
Make Security a Top Priority
All American Locksmiths serves residential and commercial customers in Connecticut and New York. We service the county of Litchfield, Waterbury, Norwalk and more! We can change or rekey locks in apartment buildings if a new tenant is moving in or if someone loses a key, and we can help tenants who accidentally lock themselves out. If you are a landlord interested in improving security or a tenant in need of emergency assistance, contact All American Locksmiths. We are available 24/7 to help with all your security needs.
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