COVID-19: Burglary Prevention for Property Managers and Renters
In today’s COVID-19 pandemic environment, sadly thieves are still out there trying to take advantage while those of us are under “stay at home” orders. The Los Angeles Police Department has seen an increase in residential burglaries over the last several months. Many of these burglaries involve apartment complexes. Some of the current trends include suspects getting inside the apartment complexes and stealing packages, mail, car burglaries and thefts, as well as laundry room thefts.
LAPD has come up with some strategies to combat this issue. The following is a list of tips you should be aware of and act on, and that you should communicate to your renters about. Please share these tips with any property managers you know as these strategies would be a big help in reducing the burglary problem in the greater Los Angeles area.
#1: Video Surveillance
Many of the properties are equipped with video surveillance cameras. Updated equipment enhances the ability of detectives to identify suspects involved in criminal activity.
#2: Lock and Secure Entries
Ensure that all entry and exit points for the property can be locked and secured. Many properties lock and secure gates leading on to the property, but exterior doorways are unlocked providing easy access to the property.
#3: Package / Mail Theft
Encourage renters to collect mail and packages in a timely manner. Do not leave mail and packages in common areas overnight. Some larger properties have systems in place to reduce package theft. These systems are vital to the reduction of burglaries in the area.
#4: Burglary from Motor Vehicles
Encourage renters not to leave valuable items in their vehicles overnight, and to be sure to lock and secure their vehicle after it is parked even if cars are parked in secured parking garages.
#5: Report Suspicious Activity
Do not hesitate to notify police when suspicious persons are loitering in front of your building. Many times, these people are waiting for occupants to enter, and follow them into the building to commit crime. Local police departments often post crime maps for basic car areas that contain information regarding burglary, theft, grand theft auto, and burglary from motor vehicle activity. Please encourage renters to stay informed and to become more aware of criminal activity in their area.
#6: Laundry Rooms
Many laundry rooms do not require keyed access. Coin operated washing machines and dryers are a preferred target of burglars. If possible empty the coin dispensers daily. Keyed access to secure laundry rooms is a necessary deterrent to burglary and theft.
