Crimes like burglary and other criminal activity put property managers and property owners in a tough position.  While managers and owners want to provide relevant information so that tenants can protect themselves and their property, they also do not want to deter would-be tenants.  One way to diminish this paradox is through preventive action.

Burglary is one of the most psychologically invasive home crimes, yet is one of the easiest to prevent.  On average burglaries occur every 15 seconds in the US and are likely to happen between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. An interesting fact is about 30 percent of all burglaries are classified as “unlawful entry”, meaning the burglar was able to gain entry without using force – often through an unlocked door or window.

As previously stated, although advertising criminal activity in the surrounding area may hurt the reputation of their property and alarm existing tenants, property managers should not avoid informing their tenants of such a problem.  It is important to provide tips for safeguarding themselves and their property.  Having actively involved and alert residents can help prevent such crimes. Be sure to remind your property managers to communicate such information in a calm, straight-forward manner.  They should also supply contact information for local police so that suspicious activity can be reported.

These tips are helpful for landlords, tenants, and property managers alike. 

• Install peepholes and intercom systems.
• Look to see who’s at the door before opening it.
• Lock all windows, as well as your doors whenever you go out.
• Call the police if your visitor won’t leave when asked to.
• Send salesmen or those looking for help or information to the property manager or building supervisor.
• Vary your daily routine. A large percentage of apartment and rental property burglaries are “inside” jobs. If at all possible, come home or leave home at different times of the day to confuse those who would otherwise be in the know.
• Install timers. You can buy a timer for your condo or apartment and set it to turn on your television or radio. The settings can even be random to create a more realistic illusion that the occupant is home. Generally costing about $15, these are a cost-effective way to outsmart potential burglars.
• Make sure the exterior is well-lit.
• Install deadbolt locks, but be sure to give your building maintenance manager a key!

Encourage your clients to keep their property in good order and make it clear at just a glance that it is carefully protected. And remember, there’s no quick fix for ridding an area of crime.

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