The safety and security of apartment living is one of the factors that attracts people to this type of living. But security isn’t a default, and Owners Corporations (OCs) and residents have a role to play in keeping fellow residents and their belongings safe.
Don’t wait until a break in or theft to implement these measures. Read on to learn how you can protect your community from these events occurring.
What can an Owners Corporation do to uphold security?
Remove Key Safes from External Buildings.
If the property has an intercom access system, key safes might be best installed inside the building, with contractors provided an access code for entry. This reduces the likelihood of key safe theft or break ins and gives the OC complete control of who has access and when.
Providing Access Codes to Emergency Services.
Ensuring updated building access information is provided to relevant emergency services in the case of after-hours emergencies. For example, intercom access codes or key safe codes to police, ambulance and fire services. Your Owners Corporation Manager can assist with this.
Explore Multi-Frequency Coding for Remotes
Most garage door remote systems are coded to a singular frequency. There are now technologies where multiple frequencies can be coded, allowing each remote allocated to a lot to be coded to a different frequency. The benefit of this is that if a remote is lost or stolen, just that frequency can be removed, rather than requiring all remotes to be reprogrammed.
Implement Annual Security Health Checks
Your OC could explore engaging a contractor to complete a health check on your security systems to ensure everything is working optimally. This may include a device audit, checking lift access controls, creating backup files for access control systems, checking and adjusting CCTV cameras, completing firmware updates and provision of FOB listings. Further, a health check might provide tailored recommendations for improvements.
Adjust Door Closing Timers.
One common weak point in the security for many buildings is the ability for unknown cars to ‘tail gate’ behind an authorised person, thereby gaining access without a FOB or remote. One way to reduce this can be to program shorter timers on your doors or gates, meaning there is less time for someone to follow behind.
Management and Upgrade of CCTV systems.
CCTV systems require access codes, like usernames and passwords to extract footage. When these details are given out a thorough record should be kept, and a policy put in place outlining who can be provided this information, and when. Generally, this information should not be given out to owners or residents.
When installing a CCTV system, signage should also be installed to signify its presence. This acts as a deterrent for intruders.
And finally, if your CCTV system is on the older side, an OC might consider upgrading their system so the control system is off-site and/or cloud-based. This reduces the equipment kept on-site, footage can be accessed and viewed instantly over the internet, and means intruders cannot break into the communications room and steal footage or damage the hardware.
What can an individual Owner or Resident do to uphold security?
We all have a role to play in reducing the prevalence and risk of unwanted intrusions into our homes and protecting ourselves from negative impacts should a break in occur. Below are some simple actions residents can keep in mind as they enter and exit their property.
Be aware of tailgaters
Stop your car after passing the parking barrier and wait for this to close before parking/exiting. Wait for pedestrian entry doors to close before going to your apartment/leaving the building.
Familiarise yourself with the building exit points and stairwells
Stairwells and exit points are locked, however residents can access these points using their keys/fobs. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the exit points and stairwells to ensure they can evacuate in an emergency. It’s important that exit routes are always kept clear of obstructions, and that fire doors are never propped open.
Do not leave building access devices in your vehicle
Despite being in a secure car park, intruders may still gain access to the vehicle and seize FOBs and remotes.
Meet deliveries at the front of the building
Do not provide delivery persons any access into the building. Some buildings provide access codes/mailroom keys to Australia Post. This is acceptable as they are authorised mail distributors.
Locking windows and doors
Balcony doors and windows should be locked if you are out. Owners can consider a dead latch on their apartment door, however if this is a fire door, they will need to seek advice from a fire door contractor to ensure the fire safety is not compromised.
Install home security systems
This may include alarms, internal CCTV or video doorbells. Video doorbells should be requested in writing to the Owners Corporation as this is altering the appearance of common property and may affect the privacy of other residents. The surveillance act and privacy act should be considered before the request is submitted.
Protecting storage cages
Avoid storing items of significant value, including bicycles in your storage cage. If the apartment permits, we suggest these be stored within the apartment. It is recommended that storage cage contents be shielded, lining the cage with sheeting or tarps. Residents should also consider a heavy-duty padlock or disc lock that is difficult to cut through. If looking to install your own storage cage, in your car park, for example, the building’s fire equipment needs to be considered. Check with your Owners Corporation Manager first to confirm a storage cage can be approved.
Installing a home safe
Residents can consider installing safes to store valuable items.
Mailboxes
Avoid leaving building access devices or installing personal key safes in mailboxes as it compromises the building safety and security. Any important mail should be sent to a parcel locker or PO Box. Owners can also upgrade the locking mechanism of their mailbox if desired.
Take out Contents or Renters insurance
To cover the theft or damage to your belongings and fixtures should a break in occur. While this does not lessen the emotional impact of these events, it can reduce the financial toll of repairs and replacements. Check with your broker to discuss any additional policies you may require.
Befriend your neighbours
When you become familiar with those around you, unusual or suspicious behaviour is easier to spot. Having the contact details of neighbouring lots means you can alert them of anything you notice that seems amiss. You may also choose to let them know if you will be away for a period, so they can keep an eye out for unusual activity around your lot.
While we don’t want our apartment communities to feel quite like Fort Knox, taking these steps and actions can help improve peace of mind for residents, and reduce both the likelihood of security breaches, and the impact to you, if a breach does occur.