Condominiums and apartments are meant to be safe and secure spaces for the people that call them home. How can proactive security help ensure they are protected from trespassing, theft, and vandalism?
Condominiums and apartment complexes are buildings where many people call home. Although lawful residents make up the large majority of the people that will be on the property, they may not be the only ones. Condos contain many sensitive areas that are vulnerable to the threat of trespassing, theft, and vandalism – parking garages, shared spaces, storage units, and even the condo units themselves. Once inside, criminals can access vehicles, personal items, bikes, vehicles, and more. With a large amount of comings and goings, it may be difficult to spot potential criminal activity that could occur on site.
Recent incidents highlight the need for effective condo security.
Condos and apartment complexes are serious targets for theft and vandalism across the country. In October 2023, a BMW motorcycle was stolen from a Toronto condo parking garage in a matter of minutes. Security footage captured two individuals backing a van in front of the valuable bike and proceeding to load it into the back of their vehicle, in under 5 minutes. The thieves were also well prepared – they used tools to cut through a heavy metal chain to steal the bike. What is even more alarming is that this was not an isolated incident, as other condo residents have had their vehicles stolen from parking garages, including some high-value vehicles worth as much as $480,000. (1)
In April 2024, Police launched an investigation into the theft and vandalism of over 50 vehicles overnight at an apartment complex in Kingston, ON. Dozens of vehicles had their windows smashed in, with valuable items stolen from the vehicles as well. The parking area was only accessible to those with an electronic key FOB, which means the perpetrators went to extra lengths to gain access to the parking structure and cause a massive amount of damage. (2)
In May 2024, residents of condo and apartment buildings in Vancouver, BC were the victims of repeated bike theft. Thieves were brazen in their efforts – they breached locked doors, accessed bike storage rooms, and stole bikes worth as much as $15,000. There were also several vehicle break-ins during this time period, increasing the call for proper apartment security. Police say bike thefts are common at condo properties and suggest registering any bicycles with the Police department (3). While these registrations may help Police to locate stolen bikes after the fact, they does not deter thieves from striking in the first place.
Each of these incidents illustrate the need for robust and effective condominium security. How can proactive security help?
Our proactive security solutions are more than just an apartment security system.
Video Security Units create an envelope of camera coverage
Our Video Security Units are the ideal security cameras for condominiums. They provide full camera coverage for condos, equipped with two stationary cameras to establish perimeter protection and situational awareness. A dedicated PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera accompanying each unit can zoom in and capture important details and descriptive details in high-resolution. Each Video Security Unit is strategically placed to cover key areas within a condo property, and multiple units can be installed to provide full protection. Each unit has wireless data transmission, powered by our proprietary cellular LTE+ platform. This innovative platform eliminates the need for wired security solutions that are an exorbitant cost when considering camera placement and coverage across a vast condominium complex.
Artificial Intelligence provides next generation detection
The face of condominium security is changing at a fast pace, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence. Condos are hubs of activity – tenants, visitors, staff, deliveries, and more. Our Monitoring team leverage the power of our proprietary AI system on a daily basis to increase their detection accuracy & effectiveness. AI will differentiate human movement from that of other objects and weather patterns on-site. Once detected by AI, our Monitoring team will immediately issue proactive deterrents or dispatch Police to help prevent crime from occurring.
Live Remote Video Monitoring keeps a close watch
Thieves and vandals should know their crimes aren’t going unnoticed. Live Remote Video Monitoring deters criminals before they strike. Our team of Monitoring experts take your property protection seriously, utilizing proactive deterrents to send criminals on their way. Our team utilizes bright, LED strobe lights to inform trespassers that they are being monitored. Combined with loud, authoritative voice commands, we send the message home that the condo or apartment complex is off-limits to trespassing, theft, and vandalism.
syncroDetect provides additional protection
Condos and apartment complexes contain many areas that require protection – from concierge offices, to communal spaces, and storage areas. With our wireless intrusion alarm system, syncroDetect, these areas are provided the additional protection they may need. Wireless door and window contact sensors will alarm if entry and exit points are breached, and wireless motion detection sensors will activate if movement is detected. This combination creates a full envelope protection for effective apartment security.
License Plate Reader & syncroPlates capture license plate numbers
Parking garages, both above and underground, are busy thoroughfares at condo properties, with tenants and visitors entering and exiting the property at any given time. With our License Plate Reader cameras, we are able to capture the alphanumerical characters on license plates and convert them within our own database, synroPlates. If a vehicle is suspected of being involved in trespassing or theft, we can track that vehicle and blacklist from further entry, if needed.
syncroReports updates property owners
Our proprietary reporting platform, syncroReports, allows property managers & other key personnel to keep track of any incidents on property. You can view live security feeds, review recorded footage, and read detailed Log Reports. syncroReports is available on web and mobile so you can view security reports on the go. It is a full service hub of all of our security efforts on your property, at your fingertips.
Our proactive security solutions provide the best security system for condos. Through Live Remote Video Monitoring, we can help ensure condominiums are secure from crime so residents can feel safe and secure at home.
Resources:
- “’They cut it like butter’: Video shows motorcycle taken from Mississauga parking garage in a matter of minutes”, Abby O’Brien, CP24 News, October 21, 2023
- “Police investigating after over 50 vehicles broken into at Kingston apartment building”, Tori Stafford, Kingstonist, April 9, 2024
- “Calls to combat bike theft in condos and apartment buildings”, Cassidy Mosconi, Global News, May 23, 2024