As a San Francisco landlord or property manager, one of your biggest concerns is keeping your building and tenants safe. The best way to ensure that your property will be secure, deter crime, and protect your tenants is with the installation of a security surveillance system. A good security system is not just for protection, it will also increase the value of your San Francisco property and attract a better quality of residents that stay longer.  So what are some ways you can keep your property and tenants safe?  Here are six simple solutions to increasing the security of your property. 

1. Have A Security Risk Assessment Done:

Most security companies will be happy to assist you by having one of their professionals come in and assess your property. They will identify any areas that are vulnerable in your security. Then they will make suggestions for the best way to improve the security of the building. 

2. Upgrade Your Lighting:

Make sure your parking areas and the outsides of your buildings and especially entrances and exits are well lit. A highly visible area is not what an intruder or vandal wants to be near. This is also a very cost effective method to help increase your security. 

3. Update Or Install A Video Surveillance System:

Every apartment building should have a security system in place to deter crime and collect evidence if there is a crime. If you already have a security system, you may still want to consult with a security expert to see if you need to upgrade, such as upgrading from CCTV to an Internet Protocol (IP) system. Every part of your buildings should be visible from your cameras. Keep in mind that a surveillance system will also save you money by reducing your insurance. 

4. Install Access Control Systems. 

Installing an access control system adds an extra layer of security. Having your residents, maintenance people, and management team use key cards to get into the building, elevators and even the apartment themselves prevents duplication. Keycards cannot be duplicated as easily as keys. If a tenant moves out or an employee leaves, you can just turn off their keycard and prevent entrance to your building. 

5. Hire Security:

Security officers are a great method to enhance security and make your residents feel safe and can help deter crime. Some excellent locations for security officers include your entrances, lobby or patrolling the perimeter of the building. Combined with surveillance systems, you will notice a significant drop in vandalism, break ins and theft. 

6. Encourage A Sense of Community:

Encouraging a sense of community among your tenants. Encouraging them to get to know their neighbors and fellow tenants is another excellent and cheap way to promote security in your buildings. When your residents get to know each other, they notice strangers easier and will watch out for each other. 

While the costs of installing a security system or hiring security officers may seem expensive, it is important to remember that the United States Business Administration has determined that just one incident of vandalism costs an average of $3,370. The savings on taking care of vandalism, and not even taking theft into consideration is well worth installing security. Speak to a licensed San Francisco security professional to learn more!