Renting a new apartment can be thrilling. However, keeping it safe should be a priority as well. While apartment communities are often equipped with security measures, no campus is crime-free. Taking extra precautions can help you protect yourself and facilitate apartment theft prevention.
Luckily, you don’t need high-tech gadgets or remodeling to increase security. Simple habits and having the right protection can help keep your belongings safe. Read on to learn practical ways to protect yourself and reduce your risk of falling victim.
Why Apartments Can Be A Common Target For Break-Ins
College renters often believe apartments are safer than single-family homes since there are more neighbors nearby. Although that may deter some crime, apartments provide unique opportunities that thieves know how to exploit.
Here are some reasons why these apartments are usually targeted:
Heavy traffic: Delivery drivers, guests, maintenance workers, and apartment residents are continuously walking through apartment complexes throughout the day. It's easy for unfamiliar faces to blend in and move about the complex unnoticed.
Shared access points: Apartment complexes have hallways, parking areas, stairwells, elevators, and common entrances. The more entrances into your apartment, the more ways a criminal can gain access, especially if security entrance doors are open, or residents hold doors open for strangers.
Empty apartments during travel: During holidays, vacations, or even quick weekend trips, certain apartments will inevitably sit empty for extended periods. If you’re expecting mail or packages while away from home, an overflowing mailbox or items on your front doorstep and blinds closed can be a big sign that no one’s home.
Visible valuables: Displaying electronics, jewelry, or other valuables in obvious places may attract opportunistic criminals looking for an easy score. Open curtains or blinds allow criminals to peek inside your apartment and spot your valuables.
Unsafe habits: Sharing on social media that you are on vacation before you return can unknowingly place you at risk. Forgetting to lock your doors and allowing strangers into a secured facility can also put you at risk.
Practical Steps To Protect Your Apartment From Theft
You don't need to go to extreme lengths to secure your apartment. But a layered approach of easy security routines can go a long way:
Secure Doors and Windows
Lock windows and doors. This will help keep intruders out of your apartment. Lock your door every time you leave your apartment, even if you are only away for a few minutes. Most burglars don’t try to kick in your door; they just stroll in after someone leaves the door unlocked. If you have a deadbolt lock, use it whenever you leave your apartment or go to bed.
Ensure that all of your windows close completely and lock properly. Inform your landlord of any damaged locks and windows with faulty latches. Sliding glass doors are vulnerable to forced entry if their locks are not secured. Place a security bar or wooden dowel on the track to prevent movement.
Consider installing devices like:
Smart doorbells
Door and window sensors
Portable security cameras
Door reinforcement bars
Most security devices are easy to install and can be taken with you when you move. Another easy way to deter crime is with proper outdoor lighting. If the area outside your door feels dim, request permission from your property manager to install more lighting.
Keep Valuables Out Of Sight
Opportunistic thieves are often enticed by visible valuables. Don't place expensive electronics, jewelry, cash, or luxury goods where they can be seen through your windows. If you're going to be away for a while, remember to pull down your blinds or curtains. Put important documents in a safe place. This includes your passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, medical records, or financial documents. You may want to invest in a small fireproof safe for valuable documents. If your lease allows, get a safe that can be secured to the floor or another piece of furniture.
Creating a home inventory is also useful. Take pictures of valuable items around your house. Record serial numbers of electronics, appliances, and bicycles. Store this information electronically so you can access it from another device. It will be easier to make police reports and insurance claims after a covered loss if you have an accurate inventory.
Be Smart About Packages and Visitors
Package theft is rampant. Track packages whenever possible and get them promptly after delivery. Some stores offer package lockers, pick-up locations, or delivery windows that minimize the opportunity for theft. If you are expecting an expensive package, see if you can have it delivered to a neighbor you trust or to your workplace.
Be wary of anyone asking to enter a secured building. Don't assume someone is allowed to be there just because they act as if they should be. Deliveries, contractors, and repair people should have a valid reason to be on your property. If something doesn't feel right, call your property manager rather than admitting them yourself.
What To Do If Theft Happens
Finding out someone has unlawfully entered your home is one of the most terrifying experiences. Taking the correct precautions will help you stay safe, keep valuable evidence intact, and recover from a burglary.
Follow these steps if you have been burgled:
Avoid disturbing evidence: If you come home to a burglarized residence, resist the urge to do or touch anything. If you weren’t home when your house was burgled, wait for the police to arrive so they can take fingerprints and find other evidence.
Call the police: Call your local police station and report the crime in as much detail as possible. Do this while everything is fresh in your mind. Take note of anything that was stolen along with their serial numbers, receipts, and photos if you have them.
Call your landlord: Notify your landlord or rental manager that someone broke into your apartment. They will likely need to inspect your apartment for a damaged door, lock, windows, or any other issues with the apartment.
Protect your personal information: Call your bank and credit card companies if your keys, ID, credit cards, or any financial information are stolen. If necessary, change your locks and monitor your bank accounts for strange activity.
Change your passwords: Change any passwords that you have on any stolen electronic devices.
Contact your renters insurance company: If you have renters insurance, call your provider. They will walk you through how to file a claim and what proof you’ll need. Keep receipts, photos, and an updated list of your belongings to help when filing your claim and repurchasing stolen items.
Protecting Your Apartment And Your Peace Of Mind
When you consider your laptop, tablet, phone, textbooks, bike, and other necessities, you realize that the total value of your belongings is quite substantial. Safety starts with smart security habits, but it doesn’t have to stop there.
Protecting your possessions with a renters policy can be a smart move. While basic safety is important, also consider your financial recovery plan if a burglary happens to you. College renters insurance can help.
Student-focused policies, like GradGuard's, are crafted to suit students, whether they're living on or off campus. College renters insurance can help protect eligible possessions against covered losses like theft, up to your policy’s terms, conditions, and limits. With smart security habits and the right insurance protection, you can have peace of mind all school year.
Can Apartment Insurance Cover Theft?
Yes, theft is a common reason that renters file claims. If a covered theft occurs, renters insurance may help cover the cost to replace eligible belongings that are stolen from your apartment, up to your policy’s limits, and subject to your deductible and any exclusions.
Renters coverage can apply to many of the items you use daily, such as laptops, phones, clothing, furniture, textbooks, gaming systems, and bicycles. College renters insurance from reliable providers, such as GradGuard, offers protection for possessions damaged or lost in theft, fire, smoke, vandalism, and some water damage from burst pipes, sprinklers, or wind.
*Terms and conditions apply
How Renters Insurance Helps Protect You
It’s costly to have to replace your belongings when someone breaks into your home. Renters insurance can lighten the load by possibly reimbursing you for covered belongings after a loss, instead of you paying full price. Renters insurance policies like GradGuard’s also include personal liability coverage, which may even protect you if you accidentally damage your rental home.
Don’t let fear of theft rob you of your peace of mind. GradGuard Renters Insurance offers apartment theft protection that can help replace covered belongings after a covered loss. Get a quote today and see what coverage you can get.
*Terms and conditions apply
