No matter whether you live alone or you have a large family, it is important for everyone in your household to feel safe at home – especially if you live in an apartment. Because of the lax security of multi-family buildings, the high volume of traffic, and the large number of people living in apartment blocks, apartment buildings with 2-9 units are far more likely than single-family homes to experience a burglary.

While you might not be able to foresee and avoid all accidents, there is a lot that you can do to deter criminals and create a safer and more secure apartment for your whole family. Start with the tips below.

Invest in a Callbox To Monitor the Building’s Entrance

One of the most efficient ways to deter burglars is to invest in a callbox apartment. Callboxes and intercommunication devices are a great solution to monitor who accesses the building, keep unwanted visitors away, and protect your apartment from dangerous individuals. What’s more, callboxes can increase the value of your apartment, reduce the costs associated with concierge services, and increase your family’s comfort. For example, you can communicate with visitors at a distance, let couriers in, track deliveries, and provide 24/7 security.

Consider Installing Security Cameras

While the number of burglaries is decreasing, over 900,000 attempts take place each day, at a rate of one every 25 seconds. And yet, according to statistics, only around 30% of households have invested in a sufficient security system.

If you are renting or you live in a multi-family building, you might be required to ask your landlord and petition to install security cameras.

Upgrade the Building’s Lighting

Investing in high-quality lighting to reduce blind spots and dark areas around your building is one of the best ways to prevent home break-ins and deter criminals looking to attempt a burglary. If your building’s lighting system is obsolete or insufficient (i.e.: it makes residents feel unsafe when crossing the parking lot or entering the building at night) consider asking your landlord and other residents to invest in a better system.

Upgrade Your Door Locks

While this might seem an obvious strategy, locking the front door with an appropriate lock can help you prevent criminal activities and deter thieves. According to statistics, over 34% of burglars access homes through the front door, and, in most cases, they don’t have to do much more than just twist the doorknob and walk in!

Adding a lock to your door might be a basic but efficient way to keep burglars out of the house.

Invest in Comprehensive Insurance

Even when introducing all the strategies above, accidents can happen, and some of your most valued belongings might end up in the wrong hands. In this case, having comprehensive insurance coverage in place can save you more than one headache!

Create a Community You Can Rely On

Apartment buildings can host tens of families and hundreds of people, and it might just be impossible for you to keep track of every one of your neighbors! However, making an effort and getting to know other families living in the building can help you structure a self-policing system to keep thieves and unwanted visitors at bay.