If you’re moving into a new apartment, or simply don’t feel secure enough in your existing apartment, you should take steps to rectify that by improving your security measures. Residential locksmiths state that the main area of vulnerability for apartments, are the main entrances to the building, and the doors to each apartment. Now, while you may not be able to do anything about the main door’s security, there are certainly things you can do to improve your own entrance, and these include the following:
Make sure the lock is strong enough
Deadbolts offer a fantastic level of security for doors, and if your apartment door doesn’t have one, now might be the time to call a residential locksmith and have them install one.
Make sure the door itself is strong enough
While a robust lock such as a deadbolt is going to offer a high level of security for the door to your apartment, they’re typically only ever as effective as the door they’re installed on. If your door has a weak wooden frame, or the door itself is made of a material that could easily be kicked in by a determined criminal, then even the best of locks may not offer the level of security you need.
Talk to your local locksmith about ways of strengthening your door, such as replacing the wooden frame with a metal one, or having it replaced completely with a more robust model.
Keep a close eye on the locks
Old locks, or sometimes even newer ones that haven’t been properly maintained, can easily make your apartment vulnerable, and if your door has the only pickable lock in the entire building, you could find yourself the victim of crime before long.
Even metal locks deteriorate over time, and as soon as they do, they could be leaving you susceptible to intrusion and theft. In an ideal world, your landlord or leasing agent will help you replace faulty, damaged, or worn locks, but if you have to take matters into your own hands, it’s best to do so sooner, rather than later.
Limit who you give keys to
It might be the case that you’re the only person with a set of keys to your apartment, in which case you simply have to try and keep them safe and not lose them. However, some people choose to hand sets of keys over to family members, dog sitters etc. and every time you do this, you open yourself up to the possibility of them being lost, stolen, or even copied without your knowledge.
You deserve to feel safe in your own apartment, and by following these tips from a residential locksmith, you give yourself the best chance of feeling as safe as you possibly can, and limiting the risk of becoming a victim of intrusion and theft.
