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Crime prevention and community safety > Apartment building security
Apartment building security
We all have the potential to be victims of crime. Each of us can REDUCE THE RISK of our homes/property being victimized by eliminating the opportunity.
Lobby Security
- Unknown or suspicious persons trying to get in to the building should be referred to the Management, Security or the Superintendent
- DO NOT allow strangers to enter the building as you are leaving or entering. Cooperate with all other tenants in keeping the main outer doors locked at all times
- DO NOT buzz anyone into the building whom you don't know
- Use only your first initial on the lobby directory, doorbell, mailbox, and phone directory
Door security
- Doors should be mounted so hinge-bolts are not facing outwards
- Install one-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
- Chain locks are poor security - install a wide angle viewer instead and NEVER open your door to a stranger
- NEVER leave your door unlocked, even while taking out the trash
- DO NOT leave notes on your apartment door or on the lobby directory
- If keys are lost or if you move, locks should be changed
- If you see a stranger carrying items out of a neighbours apartment, ***CALL 911***
Elevator safety
- Look to see who's in the elevator before entering
- DO NOT enter the elevator if you do not feel comfortable - wait for the next one
- When in the elevator - stand beside the control panel
- If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the doors close.
Helpful hints
- Keep a record of your valuables
- Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark - proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property
- When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant
- The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item
- Be a good neighbour and report any suspicious activity to the Police
If a crime has occurred
- DO NOT enter - the criminal may still be inside
- Use a neighbour's phone and call the police
- DO NOT touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence
- Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle
- Note the description of any suspicious person(s)
Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility!
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