Statistics have shown a noticeable increase in the number of apartment burglaries that take place on a yearly basis. By a rough estimation, every apartment resident has a 1 in 16 chance that they will be a victim of an apartment-related crime over a several-year period. This is, of course, dependent on the specific area in which an apartment is located, but it is a statistic that should not be ignored. It’s possible that this relatively high rate of crimes could be partially caused by the lack of apartment security systems.
When living in a temporary dwelling, such as an apartment, many people don’t think about protecting their home. Since they don’t technically own a residence, they don’t have the protective instinct that is present in many homeowners. However, since the majority of burglaries result in the theft of a person’s valuables, a security system can be a great way to help prevent a burglary.
Expense of Apartment Security Systems
Living in an apartment may mean that you are very conscious of any additional costs in your budget. However, a security system for an apartment is significantly more affordable than a security system for a home. This is because most apartments have less entry points present that require constant monitoring by a security system.
Vulnerabilities of Apartments
In order to most efficiently protect your home, it’s essential that you recognize the most common risk factors for residents of apartment homes.
Sliding Glass Doors
Many apartments are equipped with sliding glass doors, which make ground-level apartments especially vulnerable to burglaries. If you live in an area with a temperate climate, it’s essential that you never leave your sliding glass door open, a common mistake by many apartment residents. Though it may be tempting on a hot summer night, always close and lock your sliding glass door before you go to bed. This can prevent it from being a temptation to burglars. In regards to apartment security systems, it’s highly recommended that you install a glass-breaking sensor in close proximity to your sliding glass door.
Windows
Since apartments are at an increased risk for burglaries, it’s essential that you leave your windows closed and locked every time you leave your home. Windows are a very common entry point for burglars, since a large majority of people don’t remember to lock their windows, especially in apartments. It’s especially important to lock your ground-floor windows, since having open or unlocked windows present a temptation for burglars.
Dim Lighting
It’s always best for you to leave at least one visible interior light on when leaving your apartment. A dark apartment can signal to burglars that no one is at home, and may cause your apartment to be selected for a burglary. If you are planning to go on vacation, purchasing an inexpensive light timer can be a great way to deter burglars in your absence.
Choosing a Security System
In order to protect your possessions inside an apartment, purchase a security system that can cover (at minimum) all of the doors, windows and other entry points into your apartment. If you are frequently away from your apartment, it’s best to use a system that has 24/7 monitoring and will alert you of any intruders. If you wish, you may also choose to add extra features, such as camera surveillance and pressure sensors in order to provide complete protection for your apartment.
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