Teaching residents the safer path

The manner in which apartment residents conduct themselves within the community can have a significant impact on the cost crime imposes on management's bottom line. The cost of crime is manifested in escalating insurance premiums, the cost in man hours devoted to litigation management, and the negative impact crime has on the marketability of one's property. Without proactive steps by management, these costs can be expected to increase.

American Demographics reported in August 1995, "The experts agree that violent crime will increase in the years ahead, for demographics reasons alone. The number of Americans aged 15 to 24 is projected to rise 14 percent between 1995 and 2005. Those most likely to commit crime or to be victimized by crime are teenagers and young adults. What's more, crime-prone age groups are getting wilder in the 1990s."

While managers cannot do anything to change demographics, they can be proactive in training both their employees and their residents to be alert for criminal activity and know how to protect themselves.

Resident Security Tips

Look under your car and in the back seat before getting in.

Leave your radio on to a talk show while you're out.

Always use the deadbolt lock, even when you are at home.

Keep valuables where they cannot be seen through windows.

If you are not expecting a service call, ask for a phone number to confirm before opening your door.

If you think you are being followed, drive to a police or fire station. Don't go home.

Keep distances between yourself and parked cars when walking.

Notify your landlord in writing if locks are faulty or if you see a suspicious person.

Jack Cannata Jr. is president of Cobalt Technologies Inc. in Houston. The firm produces a video tape program for training residents in security techniques entitled Personal Security.

Source: Journal of Property Management, by Jack Cannata, Jr.