Key crime prevention tips
To stay safe in your apartment building you should:
- be conscious of who you let in
- secure your apartment
- secure the building.
Secure access checklist
Be conscious of who you let in
- Be aware of your surroundings and ensure no one follows you into the building.
- Do not allow entry to people you do not know.
- Do not allow entry to delivery people. Meet delivery persons at the front entrance.
- Ask for identification if someone says they are from the police. You can ask for their name and station, and call the station to confirm.
- When accessing the carpark, pause to ensure the gate or door closes behind you.
Secure your apartment
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Do not leave keys in door or window locks.
- Install a peephole (door viewer) to see who is at the door.
- Install a security screen door.
- See preventing home burglaries for more.
Secure the building
- Lock your mailbox.
- Ensure doors close and lock after you.
- Lock tools and ladders away when not in use.
- Report all broken doors or gates to building management.
Tips for body corporates or owners’ corporations
- Install a CCTV system.
- Fit self-closing doors and gates.
- Ensure fences, gates and bins are not climbable.
- Ensure mailboxes are only accessible to residents using a swipe card or key.
- Ensure the CCTV system captures the mailbox area.
- Install a key or swipe system at all entry points, including the carpark door.
- Install an alarm system.
- Install sensor lighting.
- Install warning signs around the perimeter of the property. These can include “Trespassers will be prosecuted” and “CCTV in use”.
What to do if you see something suspicious
- Do not confront the person.
- You can report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Report it
For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).
For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or make a report online at Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.
Resources
Download a printable checklist:
Access to apartment buildings checklist – print only version
(opens in a new window)
Updated