Apartment Safety 101: 10 Tips to Keep Your Apartment Safe and Secure

Apartment SafetyAt Von Klein Property Management, we do everything that we can do ensure the safety and wellbeing of our tenants and their homes. We carefully screen our applicants to ensure that those with criminal records or drug convictions do not obtain a lease with us.

Unfortunately home invasions and burglary traditionally reach their peak during the holidays so we encourage you to be vigilant and follow these tips to deter criminals:

1. Never hesitate to report any suspicious activity you may see in and around our properties (or on campus).  Program these numbers into your phone and keep them somewhere visible so you can quickly call for help if needed (you can also call 911).
University Police Station – 541-682-8350

After you report any suspicious activity to the police, report it to us by calling the von Klein Emergency # – 541-686-0743

2. This may seem obvious, but it remains an important tip: NEVER leave your apartment door unlocked, even if you are leaving for a few moments to obtain something from you car, get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking nearby could gain access quickly.

3. Never open your door to a stranger. Require all utility/repair men to provide identification before opening the door. If there is no peephole, have the repairman slip the ID under the door so you can check it out. If still uncertain, look up the telephone number, (do not accept one they give you) and call to verify the information.

4. Use a timer (an inexpensive purchase from a hardware store) for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, notify a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

5. A well-lit area is one way to deter crime so keep a light on at night if possible. If you notice that a light is out on our property or parking lots, please notify our office.

6. Do not leave valuable items visible in your home or car.  Close your blinds at night and keep your car doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.

7. Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to them, get to know who they are and try look out for each other. If your neighbors know who you are, they are more likely to report possible criminal activity and get some help.

8. Test and examine each latch, lock, window and door. Look to see if there are solid core doors, peep holes on entry doors, and securely fastened window locks.

9. If there are sliding glass doors, invest in a secondary locking device– it can be as simple as a broom stick that prevents the door from opening or as complex as “Charley Bars” pin-locking mechanisms or anti-lift measures to prevent the door from being lifted from the tracks.

10. Try to use common area facilities during high-traffic hours. Do not feel compelled to change laundry if your common sense tells you to stay away from an empty laundry room.

Sources:
10 Tips for Safe and Secure Apartment Living 
5 Apartment Safety Tips to Help You Sleep Easy 
Apartment Safety and Security 

Off Campus Apartment Safety Tips

Photo Source: ducktv.uoregon.edu
Photo Source: ducktv.uoregon.edu

It can be argued that neighborhoods near college campuses tend to have higher rates of property crime in many cities, and Eugene is no exception. Taking sensible precautions is the best way to reduce your chance of becoming a victim yourself. Here are a few steps you can take now to help protect yourself, and your stuff!

Protect Yourself

*Be Present. Know your surroundings. Save that text for when you reach your destination.

*Use the Buddy System. If possible, avoid traveling alone at night.

*Look for the light. Use well-lit paths after dark, and avoid bushes or dense shrubbery.

*Trust your instincts. If something or someone seems suspicious, avoid the person or leave and call 911 immediately.

*Have your keys ready in hand when walking to your home or vehicle.

Protect Your Stuff

*Laptops, clothes, and stereo equipment are among the most commonly stolen property. Do not leave these items unattended.

*If you must travel with valuables and leave them in your car, keep them out of sight, preferably in the trunk.

*Never keep your vehicle title, credit cards, wallet, purse, cash or other important documents inside your vehicle.

*Park in well-lit areas.

*Always lock doors and windows including your residence and vehicles.

*EPD is offering steering wheel locks for sale at the wholesale price of $12.50. You can buy one at the Eugene police substation at E. 13th Avenue and Alder Street.

*Don’t prop open building, laboratory or office doors.

*For bicycles: Register your bike online at parking.uoregon.edu/content/bicycle-registration.

*Use a U Bolt-type lock. Cable or chain locks can be cut in seconds.

Below are a few more helpful links with safety tips, and emergency numbers. Stay safe out there!

collegelife.about.com

learningcenter.statefarm.com

admissions.uoregon.edu/studentlife/safety

For more information:

On campus:

UO Police Department
police.uoregon.edu
Emergencies: CALL 911
Non-emergencies: Call 541-346-2919

Off campus:

Eugene Police Department
Emergencies: CALL 911
Non-emergencies: 541-682-5111
Crime Prevention: 541-682-5178

Keep Your Rental Home or Apartment Secure for the Holidays

The BurglarNow that the holidays are here, we want to take a few minutes to remind all of our tenants to enjoy the season, but to be safe.  Renters are often more vulnerable to break-ins during the holidays since so many leave town to visit family and friends for extended period of time.

While we do everything on our end to ensure the safety of our tenants by installing secure door and window locks, well lit parking lots, and in some properties providing gated underground parking and keycard access, we encourage you to take a few minutes to do a security “audit” to diminish the chances of experiencing an unfortunate break-in or robbery during the holiday season.

Whether you are traveling for several days or just going out for an errand, take a few minutes to ensure that your home is secure against any intruders. 

Here are some things to remember:

  • The majority of apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or at school. Burglaries also occur at night when there are obvious signs that no one is home.
  • Most apartment burglars are looking for things that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Items like cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, and other small electronic devices are high on the list.
  • More than 30% of all apartment burglars gained access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars.
  • The burglar’s selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied apartment with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

Source: www.crimedoctor.com

Be vigilant and follow these tips to deter criminals:

  • Never hesitate to report any suspicious activity you may see in and around our properties (or on campus).  Program these numbers into your phone and keep them somewhere visible so you can quickly call for help if needed (you can also call 911). University Police Station – 541-682-8350  After you report any suspicious activity to the police, report it to us by calling the von Klein Emergency # – 541-686-0743
  • Don’t leave a key underneath your door mat or a rock. Most intruders know all the hiding spots so instead, leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor.
  • NEVER leave your apartment door unlocked, even if you are leaving for a few moments to obtain something from you car, get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking nearby could gain access quickly.
  • Use a timer (an inexpensive purchase from a hardware store) for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, notify a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home.
  • A well-lit area is one way to deter crime so keep a light on at night if possible. If you notice that a light is out on our property or parking lots, please notify our office.
  • Do not leave valuable items visible in your home or car.  Close your blinds at night and keep your car doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself to them, get to know who they are and try look out for each other. If your neighbors know who you are, they are more likely to report possible criminal activity and get some help.
  • Test and examine each latch, lock, window and door. Look to see if there are solid core doors, peep holes on entry doors, and securely fastened window locks.
  • If there are sliding glass doors, invest in a secondary locking device– it can be as simple as a broom stick that prevents the door from opening or as complex as “Charley Bars” pin-locking mechanisms or anti-lift measures to prevent the door from being lifted from the tracks.

Sources:
10 Tips for Safe and Secure Apartment Living 
5 Apartment Safety Tips to Help You Sleep Easy 
Apartment Safety and Security 

photo credit: Eastlaketimes via photopin cc