Top Tips For Ensuring Your Flat Is Secure

People often have the misconception that living in a flat means your property will be more secure. This is not the case. It is important to remember that flats are still subject to the same security issues as any other type of property.

The reason for this misconception is that flats are generally smaller than houses and so make it easier for criminals to burgle them. Burglars often target flats because they tend to be easier to get into and there is less chance of being caught.

Being on a higher floor or having neighbours living in close proximity may well be an added level of protection but householders or tenants who live in or rent a flat are just as likely to be burgled according to crime statistics in 2023.

Records state ground floor or basement flats are even more at risk with 48 per cent – almost half – more likely to be targeted by burglars.

However, this doesn’t mean that you should just give up on protecting your belongings. You can still take steps to protect yourself from burglary by installing security devices and keeping an eye on your property at all times.

Here are a few top tips for ensuring your flat is secure:

The perimeter boundary fences or hedges must be maintained as they are the perfect cover for a burglar. If it isn’t your responsibility to keep up the maintenance around the property, speak to your landlord – the chances are your monthly service charges cover such work, so you are within your rights to insist this is done.

Security lights are also a great deterrent to keep your block safe as burglars won’t want to be identified or spotted. They can also help you feel safer when you are at home alone or just need to go out at night. Another benefit of security lighting is that it makes it easier to spot intruders after they’ve broken in; this makes catching them easier and reduces the risk of them harming you or your belongings.

Flats often have a communal entrance with a built-in security system so make sure you and your neighbours never prop open communal doors and always close them properly. Never buzz someone in who claims to be visiting a neighbour – they might not be who they purport to be.

If you are taking over the tenancy of a flat from someone else, they will have had a set of keys so always get new locks fitted to prevent anyone ever returning – let your landlord know too.

Speak to our Secure Home Security advisors about a wireless security system that can easily be taken with you when you move. These systems will not damage plaster or wall but plug into the wall and connect to your wi-fi. You can even add internal cameras for additional security.

If you’re a person who is always answering the door, and you don’t like opening it when you can’t see who is there, then a video doorbell can be a useful device for you.

A video doorbell can connect to your phone or smart device, so you can see who is at your door before you answer it. This way, if someone comes knocking when you’re not expecting them, or if they look suspicious, you’ll be able to see who they are before deciding whether or not to open the door.

Guard your post. Lockable post boxes or cages to guard your letters inside your letterbox can be useful to stop people stealing mail or using the letterbox to gain entry.

Remember landlords don’t want break-ins either so any suggestions you can make to secure your flat and those of your neighbouring tenants will likely be warmly received. A landlord is likely to be more receptive to suggestions you make if they are in line with their own security policies and procedures.

If they have an existing policy and procedure in place then it’s a good idea to check whether or not it covers any of the following:

Key Management

If you have a key for your flat, make sure that you keep it somewhere safe and don’t leave it lying around for other people to find. If you have a communal key for the building, make sure that this is kept securely by the landlord (or another trusted person).

Signage

If there is any signage on your door informing people that there is CCTV installed in the building, do ensure that this remains visible at all times. This will help prevent intruders from targeting your flat in particular as they know that they risk being recorded if they try anything dodgy.

Similarly, if there are any signs telling visitors not to let themselves in without permission or asking them to use specific entrances (such as where there are security gates), make sure these are displayed prominently so that anyone who might visit can see them before entering the building.

Searching for Professional home security in Edgbaston? Contact Secure Home Systems today for a free estimate.