Despite a citywide drop in violent crime in 2023, property crime climbed 3.5% over the prior year, according to a Los Angeles Police Department report. While officials proposed new crime mitigation strategies at the beginning of 2024 in order to curb some of the city’s most common crimes, property managers can do their part to secure their properties in an effort to prevent break-ins and theft. In addition to simple solutions such as proper lights and locks, innovative technology brings to light several unique options that range from authorized access systems to intrusion detection solutions.
The addition of an authorized access system
Access control systems are a great way to protect your building as a property manager, as these systems can secure premises through the prevention of unauthorized access. A Forbes Advisor post defines access control as a security technique (or framework) that determines or controls who accesses what and when. These are commonly found in buildings such as hospitals and hotels, where key cards are used to authorize certain users access to a particular area. As far as property management is concerned, access control systems can be utilized in an apartment building to prevent unauthorized users from entering spaces that are solely for the tenants that live there.
Forbes Advisor goes on to highlight the different types of access control systems that are available. For example, Discretionary Access Control (DAC) systems are “the digital equivalent of lending a house key,” where each aspect that is secured has an owner or administrator. These administrators have discretion to grant access to any user, a feature that creates a user-friendly and flexible system. For property managers who wish to implement an authorized access system, the CR80 card is the gold standard in regard to ID card size. With dimensions similar to a regular credit card, it’s a practical choice for everyday use. It’s important to consider compatibility when choosing the card materials and printers, however, as added security features (such as holograms and watermarks) can be added to proactively prevent unauthorized duplication.
The power of a simple upgrade
For property managers wishing to upgrade security camera systems, there are several tech-forward options to look into. One Forbes article highlights several, from floodlight home security cameras that light up the property in addition to a full and detailed scope on the video feed, as well as cameras that utilize artificial intelligence (AI). For example, the Noorio B210 2K Outdoor Security Camera features 2K resolution and a 140-degree field of view as well as false alarm reduction through AI. Los Angeles property managers should be aware of recent developments in the world of security cameras. For example, the Los Angeles Police Department aims to create a surveillance program that will “centralize live video feeds from security cameras,” a program that includes private homeowner cameras. The program, called LAPD Live, will involve a real-time crime center with access to security camera feeds, with a stated goal of having access to 10,000 cameras across the city in the coming years, highlights LA Public Press.
The use of a high-tech security camera system showcases a number of advantages. For example, these cameras will never get tired or fall asleep on the job, which effectively minimizes the risks associated with human error. They can also monitor a property at key angles. And, with AI-integration, such technology has the potential to identify suspicious activity in real time. With that in mind, Risk & Insurance points out that such innovative technology can create a false sense of security — while the technology can surveil a property with ease, it’s also susceptible to issues such as hacks and malfunctions. This stresses the value of physical security personnel in conjunction with heightened technological security solutions.
Going the extra mile
Intrusion detection systems may seem a bit much, especially if you already have cameras and an access control system in place. However, measures such as glass break window sensors, door and window sensors, and motion sensors can all have their place when the goal is to amp up building security measures. While intrusion detection systems can be presented as an option to tenants should they choose to implement them, these systems can be immensely helpful in the protection of a property that is unoccupied.
Innovative technology solutions such as video doorbell cameras can provide an extra layer of peace of mind, whether implemented at a vacant property or encouraged among tenants. However, it’s imperative to keep in mind that these cameras may have little to no impact on crime in Los Angeles, according to datasets that helped researchers at MIT Media Lab create a nationwide map of Ring users and usage patterns, Scientific American highlights. With that in mind, the encouragement of safe practices among tenants is crucial for property managers across the city. Community watch programs, for example, can help promote a sense of community among residents and neighbors. Providing tenants with basic education on how to secure personal belongings as well as who to contact in an emergency further encourages a safety culture among tenants, especially if they’re new to the community.
Basic security measures such as simple cameras, locks, and proper lighting can all help to make properties more safer. In addition to the basics, tech upgrades such as intrusion detection systems and authorized access systems can help to provide a safer atmosphere for tenants.
