More than 5.4 million households in the UK live in an apartment or flat, and with 732 break ins reported every day over the past year, it’s important to take extra care!
Two thirds of burglaries take place through a door and a whopping 21% of these don’t require force as the door is unlocked, and this is most likely in a flat or apartment. We’ve put together our top 5 tips to help keep your flat or apartment secure…
Make sure communal doors are closed
One of the most common ways for a burglar to enter a shared property is by poaching on the goodness of others to let them in. Don’t let anyone in that you don’t know or haven’t seen before, even if they say they’re visiting another resident, tell them to ring that person for entry. The same can be said if someone buzzes your flat and says it was an accident, let them know you aren’t comfortable to give them access. Ensure that when you go through the main door, it closes behind you for maximum security.
Review the door and lock
An easy way to add security is to inspect the front door, if it looks weak or old, then an intruder may gain entry easily so consider upgrading it. The type of lock can also make a flat or apartment more secure so research what type can fit into your door. A multipoint door lock is recommended as it offers three times more security than standard locks due to the added number of points it has. For those that rent and are worried, speak to a landlord about replacing the door or locks, but if they aren’t willing to change it, then night latches provide additional reinforcement.
Close windows on the ground floor
Whilst those who live on a higher floor in a flat or apartment complex may leave their windows open all the time, if you’re on a ground floor make sure they are closed whenever the property is unoccupied. If you are in a room with loud music or the TV on full blast, also consider closing windows as a burglar may be able to get into other rooms without being spotted.
Don’t leave parcels unattended
A crime that has risen sharply over the past few years is parcel theft, and there is more opportunity in a flat or apartment for thieves to strike due to the shared postal area. When ordering larger packages, ensure you are home when they arrive. If you will be out for the day, amend the delivery date or ask a trusted neighbour to pick it up for you. Another way to provide safety is requesting that CCTV is installed to monitor the vicinity where post is delivered, as anyone that steals deliveries will be easily identified.
Check security outside
For those with valuables kept outside in storage such as a bicycle, or even a car in the corner of the parking area, make sure to check that lights works here, as bright areas are more likely to deter burglars. Ensure bikes are locked up properly to provide an extra layer of security should a thief gain entry to the lock up. If there is gated entry to get into the car park, also ensure this can’t be tampered with. If there are any issues with the outdoor security, inform the landlord or building manager immediately.
It’s easy to become relaxed and comfortable whilst living in a flat or apartment, but making sure you are doing all you can for security is very important. It can prove easy for a burglar to gain access to the communal areas of these properties, so make sure to stay alert to your surroundings and who lives there. Take extra precautions to keep your property protected and if worried then speak with the person in charge of the building because there is always more protection they can put in place.
