COMPANY NAME outline the steps you can take to improve the protection of your block and its residents, now and in the future.
Property Managers balance many spinning plates as part of their day to day, but none should be closer to the top of their list than security. Safety of block residents has to be paramount, and with new security systems constantly hitting the market, many block managers find themselves bombarded with requests to update antiquated systems.
Any block manager will tell you that traditional locks and keys are a hassle and leave a lot of room for error, but properties and resident demographics differ so greatly that no one system is perfect for all.
Here we want to mention some of the steps you can take to improve security at your block now and in the future, as well as outlining our new consultancy service.
Common Issues
COMPANY NAME are the trusted expert in security risk detection and modern security systems. Our team have visited many a block and we’ve seen it all.
Residential blocks face unique challenges and Property Managers need to be vigilant. Resident security is a Property Manager’s responsibility so they must develop security measures that address exploitable weaknesses immediately.
Here are some of the most common issues we’ve come across over the years- see if your block ticks any of these boxes:
- Access for non-residents is far too easy
- Lighting is either non-existent or of very low quality (this is especially detrimental in entranceways, car parks and hallways)
- Keys are not tracked appropriately and too many are being cut
- CCTV is either non-existent or so out of date that it’s redundant, or it’s up to date but not being used correctly in terms of positioning or maintenance
Where to Start
So, you’re aware of security issues at your block, but where do you start when it comes to offering your residents the protection they deserve?
Providing the right protection involves careful planning, professional installation and ongoing management. For that you need a knowledgeable professional- so the obvious first step is to book a Security Risk Assessment.
A true security professional will survey the site and your current security systems, identifying any exploitable weaknesses. They’ll keep in mind the area your block is in and the budget you have in mind to provide scalable solutions to improve security, providing you with a future-proof security plan that works for you, your budget and your residents.
COMPANY NAME now offer a comprehensive consultancy service and NAME, Director of DIVISION NAME, is always on hand to discuss your requirements:
“Time and again, I go to sites and see some major issues that could be easily avoided if tackled at the development stage.
As a security systems provider, you have to understand the site, the area, and the people, to fully be able to offer the best service possible. I want the residents to trust their solution and live in their blocks hassle-free. We are passionate about the importance of providing and maintaining safe environments for our clients to live and work in.
Of course, Future Security want to be our client’s first choice for residents and property managers who care about their security. It is that aim that pushes us to grow and learn new systems because then we are striving to ensure our use of latest technology provides best value protection to our clients”
Access Control
If you want to take the bull by the horns and get started on upping your security today, improving door entry and access control has got to be your first step to increase protection. Comprehensive, well managed access control can prevent intruders from entering and is a second line of protection for a residential block.
Lock and key solutions can still be a viable option, but only if they are accurately managed. Keeping track of physical keys and preventing duplicates being cut once they’re distributed or lost is impossible. Some residents may express a preference for physical keys for their individual units which is understandable and should be considered in your plans, but electronic keys (either in the form of a fob or passkey) are a far more flexible, scalable and controllable solution.
The pros of switching to an electronic key system are undeniable:
- No more costly lock changes
- No more tracking keys
- Access control can be handled at the click of a button
- Timed access can be given to protected areas for gardeners and deliveries etc
- Doors can be locked or unlocked remotely (boosting safety and your customer service offering)
- One passkey or fob can be used for all areas including main entrances, car parks, gates and shared facilities etc.
- If a key is lost or stolen, access can simply be removed
A great example of our work in this area is our TITLE case study. This 93-unit block in the popular Bermondsey area had an intercom system that was in dire need of an upgrade. We identified several issues including poorly fitted panels and faulty wiring and came to the conclusion that a Dahua Digital Intercom would suit the needs of the block perfectly.
Audio handsets were replaced with touch screen monitors and each unit was furnished with their own screen, greatly improving the experience for residents. The new visual intercom system was beautifully fitted to suit the aesthetics of the building (with the help of COMPANY NAME) and the old 8-cable system was replaced with our pioneering 2-wire system which provides great audio quality and crystal-clear video images while future-proofing the system for further advancements.
“The whole project from start to finish was effortless and would recommend them. A project of this size and scope rarely goes problem free but, on this occasion, it did and that was down to the planning and knowledge of the engineers.” NAME, Property Manager at COMPANY NAME
CCTV
Another step you can take today is to install a decent CCTV system in and around your block. According to the College of Policing, 16% of crimes are prevented due to appropriate CCTV.
Obviously, your residents’ preferences should be considered, but if you clearly explain what a good system can do to protect the block, not many would be against it. Constant surveillance and detection with easily accessible evidence should provide peace of mind for all parties.
A good system is one that provides clear, high-resolution images or footage that can be downloaded and provided to police if necessary. It should be able to capture licence plates at entrances and exits too. Sometimes the mere sight of a camera is deterrent enough to prevent actual crimes, but dummy cameras won’t fool everyone and certainly won’t help you if a crime is committed.
We fitted our pioneering 2-wire intercom system at BUILDING NAME recently, along with an IP CCTV system. We installed 3 cameras displaying clear, high-quality footage of both external and internal views on the 7” touch screen wall monitors in each unit. The full case study will be uploaded to the website shortly and we’ve received great feedback from the management and residents.
Why Trust COMPANY NAME?
COMPANY NAME is the leading service provider and installer of security solutions for the leasehold sector, offering a turnkey service for all aspects of security and prioritising the safety of residents.
From site surveying to door entry servicing to 24/7 emergency callouts, the commitment of our team to providing the finest service is absolute, and our engineers are fully equipped to fulfil the seamless delivery our clients expect from a trusted supplier.
We constantly expand our knowledge and engineers’ skills through extensive training with the world’s leading manufacturers and offer the reassurance of a full range of solutions to meet all your security and compliance needs. We tailor our installations to the real needs of our clients and bring extensive expertise to every project we undertake.
Contact us today if you think we can help with security at your block.