Unfortunately, burglary and home theft is always an ongoing issue Australia wide. It’s not unheard of hearing cases where thieves follow you home, learn when you are at work and discovering ways to enter your home or garage.
One of the most popular reasons why Australians buy and occupy Apartments is its enhanced security. Most modern Apartments are harnessed with their own intercom, camera access to the front entrance, the mailboxes are fixed inside the locked common area and tag access is required to enter the building. Living in Apartments above ground level are also an added security measure for many.
However even the best security systems can incur a breach. In the last six months, Strata Plan’s systems show over 30 cases relating to a break-in, theft or CCTV requests relating to the thefts or break-ins.
According to other media reports, there has been various cases where thieves are accessing Apartments dressed as a disguised Uber Eats driver. These thieves are gaining access to the common areas and roaming the building. These types of criminals don’t often look to harm you, but if they are caught in the act, they can retaliate out of fear. You must be careful and diligent in these situations.
Most theft is experienced in the car basement. The most common stolen item is the bicycle. Many car basements have racks for occupants’ bikes. Unfortunately, they are not often monitored well with CCTV and are easy to remove. Storage cages generally hold items that are not regularly used and occupants sometimes remain unaware for months that something has been taken.
To prevent these circumstances there are somethings you can do. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Take the time to know your neighbours.
- If you see someone that is not familiar, ask them what they are doing.
- If they seem unusual, don’t grant them access to the lobby.
- When exiting your Apartment, make sure your door is securely closed.
- When leaving the lobby, take note that the door is also securely shut.
- As you leave the car basement, don’t drive off until the gate is firmly closed.
- If you encounter any suspicious activity, take a photo of them or their motor vehicle. A number plate can be reported.
- Cover your storage cage with dark mesh so it is difficult to see through.
- Do not leave any valuable contents in the car basement i.e. laptops, vacuum cleaners, televisions etc
- If possible, keep your bike in your Apartment.
- Don’t leave important goods in your car.
- Requesting the body corporate to install security cameras in the common areas and car basement.
Keeping a two-way communication channel to your neighbours and body corporate will go a long way to preventing these potential issues. Living in Apartments is most certainly a safer place to occupy, particularly if you are on your own. Apartments can be a safer lifestyle to a standalone house or Townhouse. Apartments can offer an amazing lifestyle, but always remain diligent, particular in the evenings.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
May 2019
