Flats and Apartment Block Insurance UK |  | |||
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Block of Flats Security Issues
Introduction - as the recession grows deeper and longer, there has been a statistical increase in the number of burglaries in England and Wales. Break-ins into blocks of flats and apartments are a common problem. This article looks at the various problems and solutions associated with providing security for blocks of flats and apartments in England and Wales.
Burglary - although most petty burglaries, do not involve direct threats to people (they happen when residents are not in the premises), burglary can leave residents feeling vulnerable and threatened. Many burglaries occur when residents are out of their premises, at work. Most criminals tend to be opportunistic young males, who have identified weaknesses in the physical security aspects of the block of flats. Most are seeking small value items they can sell the cash such as jewellery, mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices. Unfortunately, many residents leave their windows or doors unlocked, making it a simple exercise for the criminal to enter the property and snatch what they can, within the few minutes they are there. Others use ordinary household tools such as hammers and screwdrivers to break open window locks or door locks to enter the flat. Block of flats complexes with minimal security precautions, with a high degree of an unoccupancy, provide the criminal with an ideal opportunity to target lower level apartments. According to the British crime survey, homeowners and flat owners with minimal security are 10 times more likely to be burgled than those owners where comprehensive security has been implemented.
When quoting for flat insurance, many flat insurance lenders often ask homeowners or tenants, whether or not they have the latest doors and window locks built into their flat. This can often reduce the annual premium as it reduces the chance of the burglar will be up to break open and enter the flat to steal anything.
Improving Blocks of Flats Security - blocks of flats residents committees and property management companies can work together to improve the security of their complex, by implementing an improved set of security procedures. their main aim should be to try and deter burglars from wanting to try and break in the first place. The main aspects to consider are as follows:-
Doors and Door Locks - most burglars will try and access the back door at the rear of the property, providing a higher level of privacy. These are more likely to be accidentally left unlocked by residents. Burglars will also check inside parked cars nearby, in case residents have left door keys in the glove compartment, making their job effortless. Replacing older door locks with newer high quality ones, is a sensible first step. Modern door locks are more difficult to be forced open with a metal pry bar or other heavy object. Grade-1/2 2 deadbolt locks will limit forcible access with pliers. A quality five-lever mortise deadlock (Kite marked BS3621) is a sensible option and will score additional points with your home insurer annual insurance quotation. Locks with a 'dead latch' mechanism will stop burglars 'slipping' the lock with a credit card type object.
The door itself should be constructed of heavy duty solid wood or metal, to stop criminals simply kicking in a lightweight door. Some blocks of flats are designed with sliding glass doors. These type of doors provide burgers with a good possibility to access the property, where residents have left them open to ventilate their flats. Many glass doors are only secured with aluminium latches and do not have proper window locks, to prevent forced entry. This means that burglars can sometimes lift the entire glass doors off their runner tracks to access the property. Locksmiths sell pins and blocking mechanisms to stop thieves lifting a glass door of it's tracks. Other simpler solutions involve promoting the security features added to doors and locks, using the manufacturers stickers, (such as the well-known yellow and black neighbourhood watch sticker).
Windows - during the summer months, most residents naturally open their windows at some point to ventilate their property. During this time, there is an increased chance they will be burgled by opportunistic thieves accessing open windows. Many burglars will steal nearby ladders stored in outbuildings and sheds, to access higher flats above the ground floor. Apartments and flats with open windows on the ground floor are most at risk. Closing windows and using pins to secure sliding window designs, are a simple measure residents can adopt. Never leave window keys on inside window ledges or in the locks, as burglars may be able to reach through the open window message to steal the key.
Alarm Systems - good quality alarm systems can provide an effective deterrent to burglars. Alarm systems should be should be installed by a company approved by NSI (National Security Inspectorate), formerly known as NACOSS. However many cheaper alarm systems go off by mistake and are not responded to by the police. Alarms that cannot be easily reset following a false alarm, tend to annoy everyone, and burglars realise that no-one is bothering to respond to the audible alert. Never leave the alarm code written down inside the property or near to the alarm unit itself.
Security Marking/ Identification - basic security marking has been a security process recommended by most police forces the years. By engraving a unique number on items with a high value, ( such as computers or bicycles or furnishings), stolen goods are more likely to be reunited with her owner, in the event of recovery by the police. Sadly most goods are not reunited and therefore it is sensible to video and photograph contents of higher value in the home (keep this evidence off-site at the third-party location). In the event of an insurance claim, this will provide evidence of authenticity.
Communal Areas - entrance halls into the communal areas of the block should be protected. Residents naturally expect a property management company to deal with shared areas. However, residents also need to take responsibility for day to day alerting of the property management company, when action needs to be taken. In addition, residents need to ensure that they do not leave communal doors open and windows ajar, or leave items of value on display, as well as identifying maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Access to communal doors can be controlled via an intercom system, allowing residents to speak with visitors via video and telephone to identify them as a genuine visitor. The greater the number of residents living inside a block of flats, the more anonymous other residents visitors become. Despite this drawback, an intercom system is a simple and effective way to restrict access to opportunistic thieves.
CCTV - residents committees may consider the implementation of remote monitoring and close circuit television (CCTV) as an expensive, but effective means of alerting the police, in the event of a possible burglary. For larger blocks of flats with a hundreds of residents, CCTV can provide a very effective deterrent, as cameras can be overtly placed over all major entrance points. Installing high-quality remote monitoring CCTV is a complex exercise and needs to be carried out by qualified member of the British Security industry Association.
Lighting - poorly lit areas will attract burglars who can hide in the shadows and see which residents are going out. for the evening. To deter opportunistic burglars, investing in some inexpensive plug timer switches for side lmps and portable radios, gives the impression you are in, when you are actually out and about. In addition, keep the curtains drawn, to prevent burglars from peeping in too identify their target. Many flat insurers have also found the installation of security lighting can reduce break ins and vandalism dramatically. Many larger blocks of flats should also be fitted with the movement sensing bright exterior lights (based on infrared technology), particularly near paths, communal access doors and parking areas. Some models of infrared security lighting may operate on either the timer approach, manual approach or natural light sensing basis. Resident committees should make sure these units are maintained and timers installed correctly. Failure to set the lighting correctly may mean it remaining on for unnecessarily long periods (after detecting innocent residents coming or going, passing animals or cars). This will simply annoy nearby residents.
Security Patrols - areas where burglary is a persistent problem, may mean drastic action to employ a permanent security guard patrol the local grounds and the area. In addition, vandalism and antisocial behaviour is also a growing problem, particularly where alcohol is concerned. Employing a well-trained security guard can help prevent groups of rowdy teenagers or vandals from accessing shared communal areas. Many security companies will be able to provide professional security guards to deter potential burglars. The Security industry authority, managers the licensing of the private security industry as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001. this is a good starting point to identify suitable companies that can provide authorised security personnel. The aim of the Security industry authority is to raise standards of professionalism and skills within the private security industry and to promote and spread best practice.
Neighbourhood Watch - people living in the modern blocks of flats tend to rent and residents come and go every six months or so. Subsequently there is not always a community spirit in one flats and apartments. Setting up a police backed neighbourhood watch scheme is a good way to meet new people and look out for each other. Residents really need to make a effort to report any suspicious activities to the police or their neighbourhood watch coordinator/ living in the block. Get to know your neighbours and establish a basic level of trust, so that together you can agree an action plan to deter burglars. Residents should agree a sensible rules for allowing trade's people to enter the communal hallways and ensure everybody knows who ever be else is. When residents go away on holiday, a sensible precaution to avoid alerting snooping criminals, is to ask neighbours to collect post, so uncollected mail does not collect in a large pile in the communal hallway.
Assetsure provides UK flat insurance and home insurance for buildings and contents for homeowners in the United Kingdom.