Unauthorized access to secure multifamily residential and other commercial properties can pose significant dangers and potential liabilities for both residents and property managers. Incidents can lead to theft, damage, and even compromise resident safety. A recent example from Long Beach, California, highlights the seriousness of unauthorized access. The city issued a safety advisory following incidents where KnoxBoxes—secure devices that hold keys for emergency access—were unlawfully accessed, leading to unauthorized entry into buildings.
The broader implications of unauthorized access include burglary, package theft, vehicle damage, and even risks to personal safety. The FBI has reported significant losses due to burglary, with residential properties accounting for a substantial portion of all burglaries. Apartment building owners and managers are expected to protect their premises, residents, and visitors from these kinds of risks by installing and maintaining effective security systems. In some states, these expectations are becoming legal requirements.
Considering these challenges, it’s crucial for multifamily residential properties to implement robust security measures tailored to the unique needs of their specific multifamily residential properties. This includes ensuring that the security systems they choose can manage the scale and complexity of multifamily environments, providing reliable performance under various conditions, and supporting complex management and integration requirements. Effective security practices and systems not only help safeguard physical property but also protect the personal safety and privacy of residents, which can reduce the liabilities associated with unauthorized access.
At approximately 1:54 am, Stealth security operators monitoring a multifamily residential building observed two individuals accessing the property and loitering in the common areas, at one point appearing to change clothing in a hallway. This suspicious activity led observing staff to contact local police dispatch. Responding officers arrived quickly, made contact with the pair, and promptly escorted them from the premises.
Proactive Security Measures to Help Protect Your Multifamily Residential Community
The spectrum of criminal activities that frequently occur in multifamily residential communities—from the theft of mail and packages to the unauthorized entry into storage units and the opportunistic theft in parking facilities—present a formidable security challenge. This is true across the US and Canada, in communities large and small, where property owners, managers, and their residents’ concerns are acutely felt. However, here at Stealth, we’ve designed an innovative and proactive approach to security: live video monitoring. This security solution has proven to be an effective deterrent against criminal and unwanted activities time and time again, showcasing our commitment to the safety and well-being of communities, businesses, and properties across North America.
The experience of property management professionals underscores a critical insight: reliance on traditional security measures, such as passive surveillance cameras and physical barriers, often falls short of effectively deterring criminal behavior. These methods, albeit useful, have their limitations, including the ease with which they can be bypassed by those with intent to commit trespass, theft, or vandalism. In addition, while surveillance footage can validate the occurrence of a crime after the fact, it lacks the capability for immediate intervention in the absence of real-time monitoring.
Central to Stealth’s surveillance solution are our dedicated security operators, who carefully monitor key areas of properties. Their proactive stance allows them not just to observe but also to engage directly with unfolding situations, like loitering, by issuing audible warnings to help deter potential intruders. In instances where these warnings are not sufficient, our operators can quickly contact local law enforcement directly, providing them with live, actionable details about crimes in progress. This capability often secures a quicker and more prioritized response from dispatchers and local police.
For property managers of multifamily residential communities seeking a robust, proactive, and cost-efficient security solution, Stealth’s live video monitoring is the thoughtful solution. Beyond bolstering security, it can offer significant cost savings over traditional security guard services—up to 60%. Contact us to discuss your security needs with a multifamily residential security specialist and receive a complimentary quote.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
