If you’ve yet to make any resolutions for the New Year, we’ve got one that you definitely don’t want to skip: a security check-up of your strata development.
Break-ins are a sad but common experience during the holiday season, and strata developments can sometimes be at higher risk, simply owing to the increased number of people who might be coming in and out.
If it’s been a while, now is the perfect time to review your security measures and take proactive steps to keep your property and residents safe.
Why Security Measures Matter in Your Strata Development
Effective security measures matter in strata developments because they protect residents, property, and shared spaces.
Effective lighting, access control, cameras, and clear procedures help to reduce crime and build trust among neighbours. Strong security measures also preserve property values, support compliance, and foster a community where people feel safe and can trust one another.
Security measures can also be crucial for insurance claims if something unfortunately does happen. Low security or security measures that have lapsed can lead to challenges when claiming on insurance and (in some instances) lead to claims being rejected.
Security Measures to Have in Place to Keep Your Building Safe
Taking the security of your strata development into your own hands doesn’t need to be complicated. It can start with ensuring you have clear community guidelines for your residents and proactive steps that everyone can take that allow you stay on top of potential risks.
Here are a few security measures we recommend all strata developments have in place as a minimum:
Annual Security Audit
Annual security audits are essential and shouldn’t be missed. This should include a full key audit in which master keys are numbered and accounted for, and the same for keys for common areas. The AboveOCM team are well-experienced in conducting security audits, or you can hire an external contractor to conduct these checks.
Updating Keysafe Codes
If your development provides Keysafe lockboxes, ensure the codes are changed at least every 6 months. This helps ensure that any tradespeople, guests, or other contractors who have had access in the past can’t abuse the codes and gain access when they shouldn’t in the future.
‘See Something, Say Something’ Community Ethos
Your residents, as a community, can be one of the best security measures your property has, so it’s essential to support them in feeling comfortable and confident enough to speak up if they notice something that doesn’t seem right.
Encourage a ‘see something, say something’ ethos that allows residents to share if they notice something suspicious as soon as they do, rather than waiting for a committee meeting weeks later, when risks may increase, or something may already have happened. This could be as simple as providing a dedicated email address for residents to share information they believe warrants review.
Tailgate Prevention
Tailgating – where an outside individual follows a resident closely through entry doors or into parking garages without permission – can be a significant security issue. It’s one of the key ways individuals gain access to properties and carparks. Residents may feel uncomfortable questioning tailgaters, as they often say they’re visiting a friend or relative. Set clear ‘No Tailgating’ rules and ensure every resident follows them, no exceptions.
Security Checklist for Residents
The habits of your residents can make or break security within their individual properties and the strata development as a whole. While you can’t force residents to take on every single ‘best practice’ opportunity for better security, you can provide them with the right advice and guidance.
Consider creating a checklist of common security issues and the actions residents can take to address them. From doorbell cameras to utilising parcel lockers and going digital for sensitive mail, keeping track of keys and duplicates, to checking door and window locks, every small effort contributes to stronger security as a whole.
Put Your Strata Property in Safe Hands With AboveOCM
The AboveOCM team are not only experts in the safety of your strata development, but we genuinely care about your and your residents’ safety.
From carrying out efficient and effective security audits to supporting your committee with advice and guidance across all things security, we’re here to help deliver peace of mind all year round.
Contact us today if you’re looking for more efficient owners corporation management.
