According to the FBI, property crimes occur every 3.7 seconds here in the United States. That includes burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft any kind of home whether it’s an apartment, a condo, trailer, or some other form of housing.
It’s led many residential management companies to equip their apartments with security guards. These services are more than just a drop in the bucket of expenses. They come with multiple benefits, some of which you may not even realize.
3 Benefits of Apartments with Security Guards
Residential security goes beyond manning the front gate. Hiring security guards for your residential properties can do a lot to help improve the environment and make your tenants feel safer and happier.
Below are 3 of the most common advantages.
1. Security Guards Deter Crimes from Even Happening
Hiring security guards to watch over your apartment complex is an effective way to deter crime before it even happens. In fact, a university study that delves into the minds and motives of burglars reveals how a whopping 60% of criminals reconsider their targets when taking note of security cameras or other means of surveillance.
That same survey reports that 40% of those criminals admit these security measures are enough to make them abandon the target and search for one that is less guarded.
Criminals want an easy target. Low risk, high reward is an ideal scenario. This is why security guards are able to stop crime simply by being present.
However, it’s important to note that quality matters when hiring security guards. Hiring someone who looks like a mall cop waiting for their shift to end isn’t going to leave a strong impression.
Appearances and skill matter. You want to bring in qualified professionals in uniform who have the proper training to protect your residents against criminal activity. If they have patrol cars similar to police officers, even better.
2. A Security Guard is Trained to Act Should a Threat Arise
However, while appearances are important, they aren’t everything. Proper training is key to an effective security service. You don’t want to hire someone who will panic at the first sign of trouble.
High-quality security offers are able to act in cases when your residents experience a problem. This includes stepping into emergency situations and respond quickly to diffuse the situation.
These situations may range from public disputes and peeping toms to domestic violence or attempted break-ins. While a security officer may not have the same authority as a police officer, he or she should be able to manage a situation while calling local law enforcement when needed.
They also should have the ability to analyze the best surveillance approach for your apartment complex. Every property is unique, with different risk factors and levels of security needs.
3. Security Services Change a Property’s Value and Perception
Adding security to your apartment buildings or condominiums isn’t just an expense. It’s also a way to elevate your residential property’s value and profit. The ripples of changes that occur at the presence of residential security guards are bountiful.
Experience Higher Renewal Rates and Profits
Security guards not only change the perception of criminals; it also changes the way residents value your property. A safe apartment or condominium is worth paying higher rent.
You can increase your monthly rental rates. If your property aligns with the quality of your security, you’ll also notice lease renewals become more frequent.
Tenants want to feel safe in their home. Once they find a place that provides a comfortable level of security, they will be less likely to want to leave.
Elevate Your Tenant Quality
Troublesome tenants don’t like to attract attention. If you bring security services into your residential area, they will be less likely to want to stick around. You’ll find the ruffians less likely to linger and renew their leases.
Plus, when you increase your amenities and your price for rent, you also increase the quality of your tenants. The people who show interest in your property will be prioritizing a safe area with attractive amenities rather than low rent.
In the end, everyone wins.
Other Tips for Increasing Residential Apartment Safety
Security guard services couple best with residential properties that are properly equipped with necessary security measures. This includes:
- Providing Adequate Lighting on Sidewalks, in Hallways, and Around Buildings
- Securing All Entrances and Exits
- Include Appropriate Locks, Peep Holes, and Security Features for Each Unit
Why are these things important? Even the best security guards can’t be everywhere at once. By keeping the area well-lit, you allow tenants to travel safely after nightfall and make it easier for security and neighbors to provide surveillance.
It’s also important to keep your residents safe by maintaining unit security. Every unit should have basic security elements, such as locks, deadbolts, and well-sealed windows and doors.
This not only protects your tenants but also makes your units less tempting to target.
You should also secure all entrances and exits within the residential area. A guard house is helpful, but you will want to install gates to help regulate the flow of traffic in and out of the neighborhood.
This includes screening who comes in and out to ensure they are either residents or guests of residents. While this may seem like a lot of work, it prevents individuals with ill intentions from entering the residential area.
Begin Your Search for Quality Residential Security
Are you looking to improve safety for tenants in your apartments with security guards? If so, start your search with OPS Security Group. We go above and beyond to make life better for your residents.
It isn’t just about securing the premise for us. We blend high-quality security practices with a hospitality approach that makes your tenants feel safe and welcome.
You’ll find our guards willing to help carry in groceries, sign for packages, make replacement keys when necessary, and overall dedicate themselves to making your apartment complexes or condominiums feel like home.
If you’re a location in Pennsylvania looking for exceptional security for your residential area, contact us today.