Strategies for Enhancing Residential Safety in Apartments
Improving Apartment Security in Victoria: A Comprehensive Guide
Living in an apartment comes with its unique set of security challenges. To ensure a safe and secure living environment in Victoria, here are some tips to enhance the security of your apartment.
Enhance Door and Window Security
Install solid deadbolt locks on apartment entrance doors and use secondary locks or security bars on sliding doors and windows. Adding window security film can also make glass harder to break.
Use Outdoor and Common Area Lighting
Ensure that hallways, stairwells, entrance lobbies, and outdoor spaces have sufficient lighting, preferably with motion sensors, to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders.
Install Security Cameras and Alarms
Employ security systems suitable for apartment settings, such as door/window sensors and motion detectors monitored via a smartphone app for real-time alerts.
Maintain Visibility and Remove Concealment Around Entrances
Trim bushes or trees near apartment entrances and windows to reduce places for criminals to hide.
Engage with Building Management and Neighbors
Collaborate with property managers to ensure common areas are well-maintained, secure, and that security concerns are promptly addressed. Active tenant or owner associations can help foster community vigilance.
Be Aware of Supportive Housing Dynamics
Stay informed about local government efforts, such as new task forces aimed at improving safety and ensuring secure living environments, especially in areas with supportive housing.
Ensure Compliance with Safety By-Laws and Property Maintenance
Monitor and encourage compliance with any provincial or municipal regulations regarding building safety and upkeep.
Community Engagement is Key
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria CEO Bambi Gordon emphasizes that getting to know neighbors, reporting suspicious activity, and respecting shared spaces are important for apartment security. Strong communities are safe communities, according to Gordon.
Following the Rules
In Victoria, renters are allowed to have the locks changed on their apartment doors, but they should get the rental provider's permission first. Remember to keep all doors and windows closed and locked at all times, including balcony doors.
Preventing Theft
Storage cages in apartment complexes are often targets of theft, so it's important to safely store belongings. Also, avoid propping external entry doors open for convenience, and never leave keys in your mailbox.
Crime Statistics
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, there were 9,947 thefts and burglaries at apartments, units, and flats across Victoria for the year ending March 2025.
By emphasizing physical security upgrades tailored to apartments, making common and outdoor areas safer, and staying connected with community and municipal safety efforts, renters and owners in Victoria can meaningfully improve their apartment security.
Incorporating home-improvement measures and enhancing lifestyle security, add home-and-garden elements to your apartment such as trimming bushes and trees around entrance areas to increase visibility and deter criminal activity. Furthermore, invest in home-improvement products such as door/window sensors and security cameras, to create a comprehensive security system that suits apartment living.
