Keeping Your Apartment Building Secure: Smart Tips for Residents

Apartment living has many advantages, but security is something all residents need to be mindful of. With so many people coming and going, it’s easy for risks to creep in if we’re not careful. The good news? A few small habits can make a big difference to keeping you, your neighbours, and your building safe. 

Here are some simple, practical tips every apartment resident should know: 

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 
When entering or leaving the building, always take a moment to look around. Watch for anyone trying to follow you through entry doors or garage gates without using their own key or fob. This type of “tailgating” is one of the most common ways intruders gain access to apartment buildings. If you notice someone you don’t recognise attempting to come in, politely ask if they live in the building or suggest they contact the resident they’re visiting to let them in. 

2. Let Security Doors Do Their Job 
Always make sure that security doors and garage gates close fully behind you. Don’t be tempted to prop open a door for convenience or for visitors who “are only a minute away” this creates a major weak point in your building’s security. If you notice doors that are slow to close or don’t latch properly, report them to your strata manager or committee straight away. 

3. Don’t Grant Access to Strangers 
As friendly as we all like to be, avoid buzzing in or holding doors for people you don’t know. Instead, encourage visitors to contact the person they’re visiting directly. Getting to know your neighbours can also help everyone quickly spot unfamiliar faces in the building. A connected community is a safer community. 

4. Be Smart With Rubbish Disposal 
Think about what you’re throwing out. Leaving boxes for high-value items like TVs, computers, or appliances near bins can signal to would-be thieves what’s inside your apartment. Break down and conceal boxes inside recycling bins where possible. 

5. Guard Against Identity Theft 
Your personal details are valuable to criminals. Before throwing away documents like bank statements, utility bills or anything showing your name and address, shred them or tear them up. Avoid leaving paperwork with sensitive information in unsecured bins where it can be easily taken. 

Also, keep an eye on your mailbox. A stuffed mailbox can signal that nobody’s home and leaves you at risk of mail theft. If you’re going away, arrange for a trusted neighbour to collect your mail or set up a postal hold/redirect. 

6. Secure Your Apartment and Garage 
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight, especially in your car or storage cage. Apart from possibly breaching strata by-laws, visible items attract opportunistic theft. Lock bikes and other items in storage areas or take them inside where possible. Consider additional locks or security devices for added protection. 

7. Report Anything Suspicious 
If you see someone acting oddly in or around your building for example, trying door handles, lingering near mailboxes or loitering in car parks report it straight away. Contact your building manager, strata committee or, if necessary, the police. It’s always better to be cautious than regretful. 

A Safer Building Starts With Us All 
Good security is everyone’s responsibility. By staying vigilant and following these simple steps, you’ll help make your building a safer and more enjoyable place to live. 

Download Quick Guide 

Building Security Quick Guide 

Simple tips to help keep our apartment building safe 

✔️ Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

• Stay alert when entering or leaving the building. 

• Watch for anyone trying to follow you in through entry doors or garage gates. 

• Politely ask unknown people to contact the resident they’re visiting. 

✔️ Always Let Security Doors Close 

• Don’t prop open doors or gates for convenience. 

• Wait and check that doors latch properly behind you. 

• Report any faulty or slow-closing doors to your building manager. 

✔️ Don’t Let Strangers In 

• Avoid buzzing in or holding doors for people you don’t know. 

• Encourage visitors to call the resident they’re visiting for access. 

• Get to know your neighbours to help spot unfamiliar faces. 

✔️ Be Smart With Rubbish Disposal 

• Break down boxes for TVs, computers or appliances and conceal them inside bins. 

• Don’t leave large packaging in common areas – it advertises new valuables in your home. 

✔️ Guard Against Identity Theft 

• Shred or destroy documents with personal details before throwing them out. 

• Keep your mailbox secure and collect mail promptly. 

• If away, arrange for a trusted person to collect your mail or request a postal hold. 

✔️ Secure Your Apartment and Garage 

• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in cars or storage areas. 

• Lock bikes and other items in storage cages or take them inside where possible. 

✔️ Report Anything Suspicious 

• Report unusual behaviour to your building manager or strata committee. 

• If you see someone trying doors, loitering near mailboxes, or acting suspiciously, call the police. 

💡 Remember: A safe building depends on all of us doing our part. Small actions make a big difference. 

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Disclaimer: 

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction