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Security
in an apartment building is as effective as you make it. Don't leave
it entirely up to the superintendent of the building or the police. By
following these suggestions you can make the building a safer place in
which to live.
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Report
suspicious persons to police.
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When
the buzzer rings, check the identity of the caller before opening the
door. Refer unknown persons to the building in charge. Offenders
may come under the guise of electricity meter readers/telephone dept.
etc.
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Do
not identify yourself as a female living alone-use only your initials
on the building directory.
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Use
more than one lock on the door.
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Use
peepholes.
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Peepholes....
to see who's there
Instal Wide-angle peepholes are a highly recommended viewing device
because the person outside does not know that you see him / her.
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Chain
locks..... A false sense of safety
They are not recommended because they are mounted with short screws
and have weak chains.
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Door
wedges really work
A door wedge is a better alternative when you wish to open your door
only a few inches to speak to a stranger. This device is useful for
children and women who are alone at home. It can be found in most
hardware stores.
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Ensure
all points of entry are secured, especially windows.
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Use
light timers that will give your home the appearance of occupancy.
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Tell
trusted neighbors how long you'll be gone and who might be visiting
your home in your absence.
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Leave
a phone number with a relative or neighbor in case of emergency.
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Place
valuable jewellery, coin collection and documents in a safety deposit
box or a burglary-proof safe.
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Have
somebody mow your lawn.
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Leave
a car in your driveway. If you do not have a spare car, borrow one.
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Consider
a house sitter.
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Check
with your insurance company. They may provide home checks for
vacationers.
