The great news is that we are in the season of giving! Turkey and tinsel and traditions abound! However, amidst the holiday decor and dinner planning, there is also a not-so-fun fallout: crime. From porch pirates to car break-ins, it seems that the time of giving can’t help but make some stoop to taking.
So why is this important to property managers? Two words: Risk. Mitigation. By acting proactively in crime prevention, property managers can help reduce the likelihood of claims while strengthening their rental community.
Harvest Preventative Actions
There are a ton of ways in which property managers can help with crime prevention. A few of our top tips include:
- Installing Surveillance Cameras: Visible security cameras can act as a deterrent to potential criminals. Properly placed cameras in common areas, entrances, and parking lots can increase safety and allow for quick identification of suspicious behavior.
- Implementing Security Systems or Adding Security Guards: Tools like key cards, fobs, or biometric access, limit who can enter the building. For residential buildings, consider gated entry points or controlled access to apartment floors. Security Guards are also an option for larger properties.
- Improving Lighting: Well-lit areas, particularly around building entrances, parking lots, and walkways, reduce the opportunities for criminal activity.
- Keeping the Property Well-Maintained: Overgrown bushes, broken fences, and dim lighting can create hiding spots for criminals.
- Encouraging Neighborhood Watch Programs: When residents are vigilant and work together to report unusual activity, it can prevent crime and promote a safer environment.
- Establishing Clear Communication: In doing so, concerns about safety or crime can be reported quickly and addressed. Consider setting up a dedicated communication channel (e.g., email, app, hotline) for security-related issues.
- Strictly Enforcing Lease Terms: Property managers should have clear and consistent policies regarding criminal behavior and enforce them when necessary. This can include issuing warnings or evicting tenants who engage in illegal activities. Having a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior can help set the tone that crime is not tolerated on the property.
Feast on Further Info
Now that we’ve covered preventive steps for protecting against crime in your rental community, ePremium® Insurance Agency encourages you to look further into other steps you can take in mitigating risks. Check out our recent Risk Mitigation Plan deck for more ideas to help you and your team proactively work to protect your residents and units.
Learn More about Risk Mitigation Opportunities
ePremium Insurance Agency, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of Ohio, is a licensed insurance producer in all states, except Alaska with its principal place of operation at 4770 Duke Drive, Suite 200, Mason, OH 45040 (NPN 9925625, California License No.: 0G66570, Texas License No.: 1549460). ePremium Insurance Agency, LLC does business under the following names: in NY dba – ePremium Insurance Agency LLC; in FL dba – ePremium Insurance Agency, LLC; in CA dba – ePremium IRIS Insurance Solutions, LLC.