What do Chicago-area locksmiths have to say about preventing break-ins in your apartment building? If you’re an owner or property manager of an apartment or multi-unit building, you know security is important, but it’s also the kind of thing you can forget about — until there’s a problem.
Our experts at Anderson Lock have been protecting properties for over 65 years, and we think they’ve learned a few things about apartment building security. Here are some security tips for property owners from experts in the Chicagoland region to prevent break-ins to your building.
Tip 1: Security is About Prevention, Not Fear
We’re in the security business, not the fear-mongering business, and we don’t want to paint a scary picture in order to sell you a bunch of fancy tech you don’t need. The fact is that overall crime, including property theft and burglaries, has been declining for a long time. Burglaries (unlawful entry and theft) are down over 60% since 2012. They are still the most common kind of property theft, however.
For Chicagoland residents, it’s worth knowing that the more urban you get, the more likely you will be a victim of burglary.
The good news is that homes with a security system are 300% less likely to be burglarized, and 4 in 5 would-be burglars check for an alarm system before attempting a break-in (The Zebra). This means there are simple, readily available ways to prevent break-ins to your apartment building and to protect yourself, your tenants, and your property.
So, don’t upgrade your apartment building security because you saw a news story and got afraid. This is a sure-fire recipe for making poor choices. Instead, focus on reasonable and responsible protection of your tenants and property.
Tip 2: Build Security in Layers
Security experts advise taking a multi-layered approach to security. No, this doesn’t have to mean everything from a panic room to guard dogs — you’re not Mr. Burns. It means realizing that a single lockset can’t carry the whole weight of your security protocols.
For a typical apartment building, we certainly start with the locks — are they up to date and operational? But we also want to think about doors, door frames, lighting, and security cameras.
The final piece of security is always the people who live in your building. If they don’t participate, no amount of security will do the job.
Tip 3: Start with the Front Door
Main entrance doors should have a solid core and reinforced frames to resist forced entry. Use commercial-grade deadbolts and make sure there are side windows or door lights (windows in the door) to provide visibility.
Make sure there are working lights on both sides of the door, and if possible, install a security camera to monitor the door. Many electronic access control systems have cameras built in. Provide an intercom so tenants can communicate with people before buzzing them in.
Tip 4: Don’t Forget the Back Door
This is really about remembering that there is more than one way into your apartment building.
Any exterior door that provides access to the units should be solid core with high-quality locks. Make sure doors to the basement, laundry room, storage room, mail room, parking garage, etc. are properly secured. Many of our Chicago-area apartment buildings have old wooden patio doors that lead to a back staircase. You may want to keep these for aesthetic reasons, but make sure the main door is solid and secure.
Any windows accessible from the ground should have locks as well as stoppers to block them from being opened wide enough for a person to crawl through.
Tip 5: Don’t Wait to Modernize Your Access Control System
Lock technology — even for traditional mechanical locks — is advancing all the time. The newer your locks, the more secure your building.
Upgrading to an electronic access control system — those cool locks that have sensors or touchpads — means a big investment, but it also means a big jump in overall security. Electronic access controls, especially smart locks, do away with the hassles of keys and typically have more advanced security features than merely mechanical locks.
A good intercom system with video provides extra security through visual confirmation and also improves your tenants’ experience. In fact, two-thirds of renters say they would pay more for an apartment if it has keyless locks and video. If you’re interested in simple and stylish intercom and entry systems, ask us about our new partnership with ButterflyMX.
We have a lot of historical apartment buildings in the Chicago area, but a good locksmith can help you retrofit your building with modern technology.
Tip 6: Include Your Tenants
Communicate with your tenants about security expectations. Don’t assume people know what they should be doing — common sense isn’t as common as you’d think! Describe your security protocols to tenants when they move in, and include them in the paperwork with the lease.
Periodically, maybe once a year, send a reminder letter or email that briefly highlights the most important security steps you want everyone to remember. Any time you change locks or add a camera, let people know before and after you do it and tell them anything else they may need to know about it.
When your tenants see you’re taking security seriously and inviting them to help, they will be more inclined to do their part.
Tip 7: There’s No Substitute for a Good Professional
If you’ve never had a professional locksmith do a security audit of your building, it’s time to make that happen. You probably know a lot of your building’s vulnerabilities, but there’s a good chance there are things you’ve missed. And whether or not you act on all the expert’s advice, you’ll at least know what kinds of improvements you’ll want to keep in mind for the future.
It also doesn’t hurt to schedule regular maintenance for your locks and door hardware. In addition to keeping them in good operating condition, this is a good way to establish a good relationship with your locksmith for those emergencies when you’ll need someone in your corner. Your locksmith can help you determine the right schedule for your building.
Preventing Break-Ins is Worth the Investment
Break-ins cause a huge disruption in people’s lives. Besides the loss of property, there is the feeling of violation and a loss of safety. As the property manager or owner, you may also have to deal with property damage, and your other tenants may complain about feeling less safe as well.
Following these property manager security tips may sometimes incur some costs, but those costs are almost always offset by the gains. Tenants that feel safe stick around longer. New renters are more attracted to buildings with up-to-date security, so your units get filled quicker. And with keyless entry, you don’t have to rekey or change the locks between tenants.
At Anderson Lock, we’ve been preventing break-ins in Chicagoland apartment buildings for over 60 years. We haven’t met a two-flat, brownstone, or even high rise that we couldn’t help secure — and we’d like to help you secure your building, too. Contact us today to talk to one of our security professionals about an audit of your building and become more break-in proof today.