Security Concerns and Safety Complaints: Strengthening Security for Blocks of Flats
Sinead Campbell from London Flats Insurance explores common security concerns of residents in blocks of flats and the steps that you can take to create a secure living environment for leaseholders.
Managing a block of flats brings with it a multitude of responsibilities. Topping the list are Insurance requirements, Health and Safety legislation and Security.
Residents put their faith in Property Managers or the Residents’ Management Company’s (RMC) Directors to protect their personal safety, their belongings and what is most likely their largest asset.
Here we’ll be discussing some of the steps to take to ensure the safety and security of residents; from access control to background checks and everything in between.
Access Control
This may be the most obvious starting point, but access control is a top priority; from the entrance doors themselves to educating residents about the dangers of allowing strangers access.
Doors and locks should be replaced immediately if they show signs of wear and tear or damage. Key cards, intercom systems and gated entry points should all be considered if they’re not in place already. Changing the locks every few years is also recommended. Windows should be treated with the same security concern as doors- they should be upgraded when needed and have robust locks in place.
Residents should be made aware of the danger of allowing access to strangers, no matter how friendly or official they may seem. They should also be discouraged from propping doors open if they’re coming in and out for any reason.
Surveillance
Nothing acts as a better deterrent than clearly visible and real surveillance – CCTV. Installing security cameras in strategic locations to monitor common areas and entrances will help residents feel safer and provide vital evidence should anything untoward happen. Recordings should be well maintained and organised in case they’re needed to report or provide evidence for a crime.
Lighting
Investing in a modern lighting scheme for your block will increase residents’ sense of security and reduce the likelihood of break-ins or other criminal activity. Good lighting also makes any CCTV footage far more likely to be useable.
All common areas should be well lit, ideally using environmentally friendly LED bulbs with motion detectors. This will also help keep electricity bills to a minimum. Areas of focus include entranceways, car parks and alleyways.
Inspections and Maintenance
Property Managers should undertake regular visual inspections of the property, focussing on doors, windows, locks and fences in particular. Any defects or issues should be addressed immediately to avoid any vulnerabilities in the security of the block of flats.
Resident Engagement
Enlisting residents as your eyes and ears within the block gives you a huge advantage. This means being approachable and having an open-door policy for any and all comments. An anonymous feedback mechanism is ideal for residents to voice their safety concerns or suggestions for improvement. Regularly review and act upon this feedback, documenting all security concerns as their received.
Educating residents re best practise when it comes to security and providing them with a list of emergency contacts can be invaluable. They should be actively encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to highlight any concerns such as lightbulbs that need replacing etc.
Fostering a sense of community within the block can also boost security as residents are far more likely to look out for one another if they socialise. Organising meetings and events, whether online or in person, can be a great way to build a close-knit community. You could even suggest the formation of a neighbourhood watch program.
Outside of the Block
Working as part of the wider community can decrease security risks even further. If your block is one of many situated closely, consider opening the lines of communication with the other blocks to make sure any security concerns are highlighted and discussed. Establishing a working relationship with local law enforcement agencies can also be beneficial as they can provide guidance and respond to incidents more effectively.
You could also consider hiring security personnel to patrol the block during the night, or just during large-scale celebrations that can sometimes increase security risks (such as New Years, Bonfire Night and Halloween etc). Residents would appreciate the additional protection and feel that their safety and security is in good hands.
Summary
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. Keeping your block up to date with technological advances in the security systems available will ensure that the value of the block is maintained while boosting resident satisfaction. It will also reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring which could lead to damage, legal issues and complaints. Being ahead of the game will reduce your stress and workload while also saving residents from the potential trauma of being burgled or worse.
For more information, please contact a member of the London Flats Insurance team on 020 7993 3034.