Preventing Robberies in apartment buildings?

[FrugalGuy]

My apartment building has experienced an increase in robberies lately. I was thinking of getting those burgular systems installed where they will contact the police if a code is entered. I'm not too sure how effective those are because it seems like there is a lot of steps involved before the police even come to check on the situation.

Any ideas on what to do?

 

[vi edit]

Is the building secured? As in a key or passcode required to enter the building?

 

[PsychoAndy]

cell phone, Model 66 .357 with a 4 inch barrel, and a "Protected by S&W" sticker on your door.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Was wondering how long before someone mentioned a gun. A large barking dog would do more to "prevent" a robbery that a gun would.

 

[notfred]

Make friends with your neighbors.

 

[flot]

Buy a cheap $39 car alarm, hook it up to a 12vdc power supply brick, and arm your front door every time you leave the house.

((chrirp chirp))

 

[Kilgor]

Was wondering how long before someone mentioned a gun. A large barking dog would do more to "prevent" a robbery that a gun would.

But guns don't Pee on the floor and drink out of the toilet.

 

[her209]

move

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Antisocial-Virge
Was wondering how long before someone mentioned a gun. A large barking dog would do more to "prevent" a robbery that a gun would.

But a large barking dog won't be allowed in 98% of apartments. And a dog is a much bigger responsibility to take care of / feed - and what are you going to do during the day?

And if I were to consider "whose apartment to break into?" it's not going to be the one with the "Protected by S&W", "Glock Owner", or "Home of H&K" badge on the door. A couple hundred in cash & electronics isn't worth a couple hollowpoints.

If you do get a gun - practice like crazy. Last thing you want to do is spray wildly, shoot through the wall and kill your neighbour.

- M4H

 

[SharkyTM]

1. Get a SigSauer p232. Linkified or 245... linkified
2. Automated attack dog?
3. hook up an electrical cord to the door handle?
4. http://www.okhotnik.ru/Products/41013.html
5. Just get an alarm... like said above.

SharkyTM

 

[SoylentGreen]

Never go out stay in your apartment.

 

[Amused]

I hate to say this, but move, and tell your apartment management why you're moving.

If they cannot provide adequate security, they don't deserve your business.

 

[axelfox]

from my torts class, i know you can't rig a gun to have it go off

 

[MichaelD]

*sigh* Newbies.

99% of all apartment break-ins are executed via a window. But, there are different circumstances.

If you live in a REAL apartment, i.e. a multi-story building ( I grew up in one), then most break-ins are executed via the fire escape. Those windows that lead to the fire escape need to have GATES across them. NOT locked with a padlock or key, but a simple lever. Trust me; there are gates made that release with a lever, but are IMPOSSIBLE, even for a double jointed person to release from the other side.


If you live in a "private house apartment" like where I live now (two story, eight units, four units per floor..think "clover shape") Then most break-ins are executed via the sliding glass patio door that leads to your patio or balcony.

This door needs to be secured THREE ways:

1. Lock the door so it can't simply be pulled open
2. Prevent the door from being LIFTED off the tracks by drilling holes thru the frame AND the door at the top and inserting long nails thru the holes.
3. Prevent the door from being pried open by putting a piece of broomstick or closet rod in the track on the floor. Long enough to basically brace the SLIDING door against the frame against the wall on the opposite side.

The above three steps WILL NOT prevent them from simply smashing your window and climbing thru, but noise is something a thief wants no part of.

An active alarm (monitored) w/motion sensors is your second line of defense in case they actually get IN the apartment.

RENTER'S INSURANCE you should already have. Period.

Hope this helps.