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Security & Safety in Apartment Complexes
- Viewers ("peepholes") are important for your security. Know who is at
your door before permitting entry.
- Ask to see identification of
callers you don't know.
- Always double-check doors and
windows before leaving your residence to make
sure they are locked.
- Keep keys in your possession.
Don't place them under mats, over doors, in mail
slots, or in other obvious "hiding
places".
- If you return to your residence,
even after a brief absence, and you think it has
been illegally entered, do not enter. Call the
police.
- Draw curtains or blinds after
dark. Never dress in front of a window; your
silhouette may be visible from the street.
- The sight of valuables might tempt
a burglar. Do not place purses, portable radios,
stereos, television sets, or other such articles
near windows; glass could be broken and nearby
items easily removed.
- Don't advertise; a note on the
door stating you are not at home is asking for
trouble. Use only your last name and first
initial on the door, mailbox, and in telephone
books.
- Be knowledgeable about various
types of locks and security devices.
- If possible, replace locks when
you move to a new house or apartment or have the
owner do so. You don't know if the previous
resident still has keys.
- Establish a buddy system with a
neighbor. Each should be wary of anything out of
the ordinary in and about the other's premises.
Let your neighbor know when you will be arriving
late. Take in the other's packages, newspapers,
etc., in the event of vacations or absences for
more than a day.
- Cooperate with all other tenants
in keeping outer doors locked. Don't release door
locks unless you are sure of who is requesting
entrance.
- Notify the building superintendent
if you leave for an extended vacation.
- Utilize a timer for lamps, radio
or television to give your apartment an occupied
look or sound.
- Keep a photographic inventory of
your possessions. Write the date and place of
purchase, cost, serial number, and any other
identifying information on the back of each
photo. Engravers can be borrowed from Police
Services for inscribing your driver's license
number on property. Mention security coding when
reporting lost or stolen items. This will aid in
preparing insurance claims and can also
facilitate the return of recovered items.
- Keep money, jewels, furs, and
valuable collections to a minimum. Utilize safe
deposit boxes and fur storage.
- Elevators in apartment houses can
lead to trouble. Wait for an empty car rather
than ride with a stranger.
- Never answer personal questions on
the telephone. Never admit that your are alone or
that you live alone. If you receive an obscene
telephone call, quietly hang up. If anonymous
telephone calls are received, notify Verizon Annoyance Calls Center
at 1-800-518-5507.
- All entrances to your home should
be well lit. If you live in an apartment
building, make sure all halls are properly
illuminated; if they are not, notify the
landlord.
- Consider how you as a tenant can
help make public areas more controlled and
secure.
- Develop a building patrol or watch
program.
- Report any suspicious sounds,
activities, automobiles, or people that you see.
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