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Apartment Security
updated: Sep 07, 2012, 3:46 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

I just moved in to my own bottom floor apartment. The windows and doors are old and aren't very secure.I recently installed a deadbolt on my front door and I have wooden sticks in all my windows. Should I get an alarm or do something more? As a single female I want to make sure I'm protected. Does anyone have any tips to make sure I can prevent break-ins?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

SBSURFERLIFE	2012-09-07 03:51 PM
Get a pitt bull.
COMMENT 317360	2012-09-07 03:56 PM
@sbsurferlife - What's a pitt bull? Related to Brad, perhaps? People, it's a Pit Bull Terrier. One t. But getting back to the question with a serious answer, if you can work with your landlord on your concerns, perhaps an alarm could be split between the two of you. Otherwise, you will probably be safe with the measures you have in place. I would install metal bars rather than wood. But I do think that the most likely thing is that a robbery could take place IF the person thinks you are not home and entry into the place is easy and quiet. Wooden sticks, deadbolts and making sure everything is closed during the day or when you're not around is probably enough to discourage the worst that might happen. Congrats on your new place, hope you enjoy your new apartment!
COMMENT 317369	2012-09-07 04:11 PM
put up some motion senson lights outside, they are the best way to prevent any mischevious activity outside your doors or windows.
COMMENT 317371	2012-09-07 04:14 PM
Nothing is for sure. All locks can be picked, all windows can be broken. An alarm can be a good deterrent, especially in an apartment complex with lots of other tenants around. A motion detecting video surveillance camera might help too.
COMMENT 317372	2012-09-07 04:20 PM
I agree. A pitt-bul is the way to go
COMMENT 317373	2012-09-07 04:20 PM
You also may wish to install screws into the frames of the glass - there's some great info on how to do this online. Truth be told, most windows (especially lightweight single-pane windows) can be lifted out of the frame with nothing more than a plunger or glass handle. If you're worried about your safety while home, get heavy curtains and try and make a little peace with the fact that you live in a very safe place. If you're worried about stuff - just get renter's insurance. It's cheap and stuff can be replaced.
COMMENT 317374P	2012-09-07 04:21 PM
One of the easiest points of entry is sliding windows, because they can usually be opened silently. Placing a stick or piece of plastic pipe cut to fit in the slider track as you've done is a good start. Be sure to also prevent the window from being moved up for removal (easiest way is to push a wedge into the gap at the top, and use tape to hold it in place). You can buy motion detector alarms that will go off if someone's in your place who doesn't know the code. You can also get motion detector sockets for your porch lights to let you and the neighbors see when someone's prowling. All of this is easy to do and costs less than $50.
COMMENT 317375	2012-09-07 04:23 PM
When you're home, use a trick I learned in Hawaii: Go to a thrift store and get the largest pair of old/worn out flip flops and leave them outside your door... MAYBE a perp will think there's a large Male living there & will move to easier pickings. Wait-I just gave away your secret-sorry
COMMENT 317377	2012-09-07 04:33 PM
ACE Hardware etc have simple contact alarms that attach to just about any entry point. Great for sliders.
ROGER DODGER	2012-09-07 04:37 PM
Go to the hardware store and look into decent window locks not just the cheap ones..Go to Radio Shack and look into personal alarms, get a door stop alarm for your doors when your at home in case someone goes thru the door. Door stop alarms are real loud..Look into renters insurance and good home protection..Your home does not sound secure enough to leave a gun there. .12 gauge pumps are real nice though and just hearing the rack of a .12 gauge pump will cure constapation at a hundred yards...
COMMENT 317383	2012-09-07 04:42 PM
Two pit bulls will double the efficiency. One may not be enough.
COMMENT 317388	2012-09-07 04:54 PM
9mm Smith & Wesson It only barks when you want it too.
TISHERSELF	2012-09-07 04:54 PM
I also think you've taken the right precautions, instead of wood inserts I would use PVC pipe it's a lot stronger.
COMMENT 317392	2012-09-07 05:03 PM
Put an Obama-Biden sticker in the window because only the rich are supporting Romney.
COMMENT 317395	2012-09-07 05:12 PM
If you don't feel comfortable with a gun, keep pepper spray in your home. Or a BB/pellet gun. I have pepper spray that I carry with me, and have air soft pellet guns. The suggestions of everyone above are really great.
TISHERSELF	2012-09-07 05:18 PM
Also, keep your car keys on your night stand, if you know someone has entered push the panic button on the key fob, provided you have a key fob. I don't believe they will hang around with all the people coming outside to see whats going on. And of course screaming 'help'.
COMMENT 317398	2012-09-07 05:19 PM
Put a picture of Jesus on your window or door. That will keep everyone away for sure.
COMMENT 317399	2012-09-07 05:24 PM
I have found some things from the input I may use myself! The BB gun is a good one. My husband has a rifle, but all that is put away. I would feel safe enough with a BB gun to ward off someone who made it inside, without worrying about someone else in the house getting hurt. Also, I didn't realize they made alarms that weren't wired in the house, and monitored by an outside company. I'm a worrier and these will help me.
COMMENT 317400	2012-09-07 05:36 PM
DO NOT use a BB gun for pseudo self defense. Learn how to use a real gun, take gun safety classes, and then purchase a gun that fits you - or don't use a firearm at all. In my opinion - you are only going to anger someone who has entered your house. And a round from a pellet gun won't save you. Pepper spray was also a good idea - it can buy you time to escape.
COMMENT 317403P	2012-09-07 05:55 PM
Hearing a car alarm in a crowded area or apartment neighborhood will not bring ANYONE out. Mace (pepper spray) is a good idea, I need to get some. Try to meet a neighbor or two! It's nice to think someone might pay attention. Scream "FIRE" not "help"; you're more likely to get attention. I've never had to do any of these things. I do appreciate living on the 2nd floor. Got deadbolt protection. Look into this; I'm sure someone can put a name to it. It's a plate protecting the bolt so that a knife or credit card can't be used to open a door. If you don't have automatic light-sensitive outdoor lighting, especially if the building or house has off-street areas or a parking lot, get it. Maybe add motion detector lights to it.
COMMENT 317405P	2012-09-07 06:01 PM
I don't want to scare you. I'm female & have lived alone for many years. The best defense, in my life, is community. I know my neighbors, both next door and some up the street, and I call in suspicious activities and obvious crimes. I've never had an incident beyond kicking people out of the parking lot, though my neighborhood, like most, has changed for the worse, mostly due to congestion/increased population.
COMMENT 317408	2012-09-07 06:16 PM
Wittiest = 392 Wisest = 405 Worst = anything involving a weapon. It can and will be used against you.
COMMENT 317415	2012-09-07 06:53 PM
Pump action shotgun
COMMENT 317429	2012-09-07 07:59 PM
If it has sliding windows you can get a wooden dowel and put it in the bottom so the window can't be slid over.
COMMENT 317433	2012-09-07 08:22 PM
Guns do no good if you aren't there, if your there I recommend a shotgun, hard to miss, just aim for the legs.BB guns are worthless, that will do nothing to a strung out robber.Guys that do robberies are almost always looking for stuff to fence for drugs. Don't be routine in your daily coming and goings,get motion detector lights for night, set up a hidden camera while you are away, I did this and found I was getting ripped off by my neighbor,not just going nuts when stuff was missing.A dangerous barking dog does nothing,people will not pay attention if it barks a lot routinely,much like a car alarm going off.All a thief has to do is throw your dog a steak or bone til it can slit it's neck or put a pillow over its ear and blow its brains out.The best thing to do is get to know your neighbors, if you trust them keep an eye on each others places, and get a 12 gauge, have it racked, and put it up on a door frame.
COMMENT 317471	2012-09-08 07:22 AM
Two large Rotties.
COMMENT 317478P	2012-09-08 07:40 AM
...also, be cautious about your drapes and blinds. If you don't like to keep blinds drawn during the daytime, get a set of "sheer" cutains to hang inside the drapes or blinds, they reflect the light when viewed from the outside during the day, so prowlers can't see in unless your interior lights are blazing, but let in natural light for your own enjoyment. Don't leave them open with our purse or anything valuable in sight. Have lights shining outside your doors and windows at night, if possible, higher on the wall than a tall person can reach to unscrew the bulb. Ask the landlord to keep landscaping trimmed so your entry is not secluded. Ditto for the parking area. Look outside at night to make sure no one is hiding, before going out. You don't have to feel like you're being "paranoid" doing these things, you are just using common sense. These kinds of cautions apply to wherever you may be as a single woman, not just at home. And yes, get to know your neighbors, you need to know if you can count on them or if you should keep your distance.
COMMENT 317480P	2012-09-08 07:46 AM
just for good measure, I have some of my neighbors' dogs old chew toys strewn around my yard, and an extra large, sloppy water bowl next to my door. Plus, an old pair of men's sneakers and a pair of construction boots, size 12. I don't put too much "girlie-style" decor outside, I balance it with stuff like a squeegee and bucket, a can of WD40, and a folded, dirty red shop towel. Its about appearances, a criminal is going for the easy pickings. Of course, all these things must be dusted for cobwebs!
COMMENT 317500	2012-09-08 08:49 AM
Why don't you ask the police for assistance? They should know and they should help. Crime prevention versus crime detection.
COMMENT 317516	2012-09-08 09:32 AM
@392 You funny guy. Have to agree. Also, know that gun control is never having to say you missed.
MESAJIM	2012-09-08 11:20 AM
Put decals on the window/door that say "WARNING: These premises protected by Chick fil-A".
COMMENT 317556	2012-09-08 11:22 AM
Don't need a pit bull just a dog that's got a big enough bark to let people know hes there. Or maybe one that has the habit of waiting quitely in the dark until someone does come in and then eats them.
COMMENT 317567	2012-09-08 11:47 AM
I've used the contact alarms. Actually found good LOUD cheap ones at the old Longs but imagine any home improvement place would have them. Stick on and have on/off switch. Turn them all on when you leave and when you go to bed. Tricky to do it on the front door and get out before it beeps too many times! Made me feel a lot more secure. I've heard of motion-sensor recordings of dogs barking, too. Love that idea. It's hard for renters to install lighting but there are some solar and battery ones that you can stick on to a wall and don't require wiring. That's good for you coming home after dark, too. Although I leave the porch light on all night and when I'm out at work. Also with some creativity, you can find/make stickers and signs with alarm company logo on it. Best thing ever is to know your neighbors. That way you recognize unusual people in the area AND they know you and you can all look out for each other.
COMMENT 317628	2012-09-08 01:24 PM
Baseball bat under the bed. If you have a sliding glass door make sure you can't push the whole thing up and off the lock, with the palms of your hands. You can find a little flippy lock in the hardware section that attaches easily with a couple screws, onto the front door frame and allows you to add another lock defense on the front door, when you are home. Do not hide an extra key outside which is obvious or easily found. If you have a land line have a generic greeting, not your voice on your phone machine. When you arrive home dark or not, have your house key ready and be sure you are NOT jingling your keys! Always walk with confidence and never, ever trust other cars, be courteous and smile!
CHERPLAN	2012-09-08 02:53 PM
What about putting that spray foam which hardens in the window jamb? It probably wouldn't keep out a burglar, but it will keep out critters and tighten the window in the jamb.
COMMENT 317761	2012-09-08 06:38 PM
Put an NRA sticker on your door or window. They might think your a dumb red neck who shoots first and asks questions later.
SPARKEY	2012-09-08 06:58 PM
Most of the above are reasonable suggestions; however I will say that if you opt to purchase a firearm or other means of self defense, don't advertise it and please learn how to use it and keep proficient with it. Good luck.
SPARKEY	2012-09-08 06:59 PM
Also, if you don't already have it, get renter's insurance.
COMMENT 317809	2012-09-08 08:35 PM
Thanks to 392 & 398 - you totally cracked me up : -) and I like the idea about keeping your car keys on your night stand and pressing the panic button if you know an intruder is in your house.
COMMENT 317871	2012-09-09 07:39 AM
Joking (?) aside, a dog can be a great aid in feeling secure, but there is a lot involved in owning one, and many aspects to making the choice of breed, then training. Call up reputable behaviorists to get advice if a dog really fits your lifestyle. Then go from there. Otherwise, you can order decals from ASPCA and others online that say SAVE MY DOG IN CASE OF FIRE and it will LOOK like a dog lives there. A bowl and big giant choke chain on the porch complete the effect. Motion sensors that let you program your own recording are fun. Non-dog related: They make very cheap siren alarms for doors-they are meant for folks with pools, so kids don't get out the door. So they are loud. Door opens, screech! Pool supply stores will have.

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