How do you secure your condominium against delinquents and criminals? Proactive security measures for condos are essential. This way, you prevent crimes from happening entirely instead of managing the messy aftermath.
Common Security Threats Within Condominiums
As the person in charge, you must be on the lookout for several types of property crime. Here are some common physical, digital and personal threats tenants face.
Physical
Physical security covers threats like burglaries, vandalism, arson and trespassing. Whether a group sneaks in to use the condo’s shared amenities, a person spray paints graffiti on the walls or a thief breaks in to commit a crime, the event can shake your property’s residents.
Digital
You may be at risk of a cyberattack if you use smart devices, automation tools or a building management system. While digital threats don’t often target residential properties, no target is off limits if the bad actor believes they can make money from the attack.
Personal
If trespassers can shake your condo’s residents up, imagine what a personal theft would do. Package theft, break-ins, vehicle theft and larceny can be unsettling. It’s up to you to secure your units, building and parking areas to ensure everyone feels comfortable at home.
The Importance of Security Measures for Condos
According to the FBI, property crime is more common than other types of crime. In December 2023, it occurred at a rate of 179.63 per 100,000 people, compared to violent crime’s rate of 120.98 per 100,000 people. Of course, this is only the average for the country as a whole — figures vary state by state.
Unfortunately, the FBI’s database shows Florida experiences an above-average level of property crime. It occurs at a rate of 559.41 per 100,000 people, with offenders targeting residences like condos more than parking lots, department stores or transportation structures.
Your tenants expect a safe living space. Dealing with a package thief, occasional break-ins or squatters in stairwells may make them less likely to renew their lease or recommend the property to others. Even a single security incident can taint their view of the building, so you must adopt security measures for condos.
What Property Managers Can Do to Keep Condos Safe
Taking security seriously can help you create a safe, attractive environment for current and prospective tenants. This will protect your investment and foster a thriving community. To ensure safety, your security measures for condos should cover the building’s exterior, outside areas and individual units.
Management is your primary duty. Although you assign tasks like watching the cameras or standing guard outside to third parties, you should still be involved in decision-making. Your timely input is a valuable defense against delinquents and criminals. This responsibility extends to routine decisions like screening and hiring.
Whatever you decide, keep condo residents in the loop — communication is essential. After all, a building is only as secure as its units are. Post guidance, send reminders and hang up flyers. Consider creating a neighborhood app where the community can share information, ask questions and remind each other of policies.
4 Proactive Security Measures to Protect the Property
Proactivity helps prevent violent crime and property crime from ever happening. Here are four of the best security measures for condos.
1. Secure Parking Garages and Lots
Parking garages and lots are often deserted and dimly lit — an irresistible combination to unpleasant characters. Upgrading lighting is a cost-effective way to prevent vehicle theft, vandalism and squatters, improving the condo building’s safety. Also, high-intensity lights eliminate shadowy corners, making tenants feel secure.
2. Install an App-Based Access System
Giving each tenant a unique, app-based access code prevents future trespassing and break-ins. Unlike keys, this technology provides timestamped records of entry. You can trace admittance to specific accounts, helping you identify and deal with troublemakers. Consider having access points at community and unit entrances.
3. Hire Guards, Doormen and Gatekeepers
Guards, door attendants and gatekeepers can monitor your condo’s entrances, accept packages on behalf of residents and stop property crimes in progress. Burglaries often happen between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so stationing people at a few key points during these hours should prevent most attempts.
While you could call the police when you notice suspicious activity, that is a reactive approach. Besides, police may take too long to respond. The Miami-Dade department’s average response time ranged from 5.5 minutes to nearly 12 minutes in 2022 — more than enough time for someone to get away. Conversely, private security professionals would deter would-be thieves.
4. Install a Video Surveillance System
A security system that contains alarms, high-definition surveillance and motion-activated floodlights can help prevent break-ins, trespassing and vandalism. For example, cameras are useful deterrents against property crimes — especially when pointed at stairwells, entrances and elevators. Save the video to the cloud so you don’t accidentally overwrite or delete it.
Continue to Preserve the Property’s Safety
At times, proactive security measures for condos can require a lot of work. However, stopping threats in their tracks is often worthwhile because it preserves your property’s safety and reputation. Consider implementing a monitoring or auditing system to ensure your efforts remain effective over time.
Evelyn Long is a writer that specializes in housing market trends. She is also the founder of Renovated Magazine, where she writes essential resources for renters and homeowners. She has contributed to several other sites like the National Association of Realtors and Realty Executives.
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