RESIDENTIAL SECURITY TIPS

Get to know both your neighbors and the neighborhood. Be aware of what's happening in the area, especially if any of your neighbors have been victims of burglary.

Make sure there is adequate lighting in all exterior areas of the complex. If you believe there is an area that needs more light, notify the landlord, and ask neighbors to do the same. Your landlord is required by law to provide you with a safe environment. Also notify the Society office immediately if you notice burnt out bulbs in any lights in exterior or common areas

Make sure your door has a dead bolt in addition to any knob lock. Don't rely on either locks in knobs or on chains. Your door should also have a peephole (if you have children, consider getting one at their height, too). You can ask the landlord to replace or re-key your dead bolt and install a peephole. If he wont' do it, see about doing it at your own expense (don't forget to give a key to thelandlord if you are required to under the lease).

If you have a Intercom or Video Intercom security system in the building -- use it. Don't ever allow strangers into the building or your home without ensuring they are authorized to do so.

When someone comes to the house and you don't know them always ask to see an ID card, close the door and call the number on the back of the card to confirm the person is who they say they are. If the person is who they say they are they will not mind waiting. DON'T LET THEM IN UNLESS YOU ARE CONFIDENT OF THEIR IDENTITY.

Don't advertise your absence by leaving notes for maintenance personnel, children, neighbors, etc., on your door or mailbox.

Don't hide a spare key outside. If you want, find a neighbor you trust and make a deal to keep each other's spare keys. Having to pay a locksmith to get you in is still cheaper than losing your valuables when a thief finds the key.

While You're Away
CHECK LIST

Do you have several lights in your home on when you leave town for a few days??

Do you have a working home alarm system?

Do you always remember to arm the alarm before you leave?

Do you discontinue mail and newspaper service when away from home on vacation or business?

Do you arrange for a friend or neighbor to come by and check on your home when you plan on being away several days or longer?

Does your telephone answering machine avoid announcing: "We’re not home right now?"

OFFICE SECURITY TIPS

Ensure that you have a reliable Security System fitted at your office

Only authorized and trusted office staff should be allowed to arm / disarm the alarm system. Their photographs and other personal details should be kept on file and securely, in case of any untoward incident.

Use the Alarm system in conjunction with a CCTV Surveillance System, so as to maximize effectiveness of your security solution, and to assist the authorities in case of any untoward incident.

Do not allow staff to download any files from the internet, unless approved by the system admonistrator. Also, date storage devices should NOT be allowed into the office, to prevent against data theft and industrial espionage.

Ensure that Access Control Systems are installed at the entrance doors and at sensitive areas like server rooms etc.