Yes, there are a couple of security guards at the main gate.
But is that enough to protect hundreds of people within?
You don’t necessarily have to imagine a high-end Hollywoodesque heist to realize the need for more security. Basic measures like some security guards and a few CCTV cameras here-and-there have plenty of loopholes in them that leaves buildings and complexes susceptible to theft, robbery, and other kinds of crime. And the risk factors further amplifies depending on the city/locality the complex is located and how far (and responsive) emergency service providers are.
If you live in a gated community… If you’re a community leader, secretary or key decision-maker of that space… You need to read this.
Even though the gated community is ‘assumed’ to be safer, here are 5 security mistakes within that fenced space that leaves residents vulnerable:
It’s not uncommon to find that apartment complexes have old and outdated CCTV cameras installed.
Plus, the number of these cameras is worryingly low. They fail to adequately cover, record, and feed a wider area.
Give your CCTV cameras a hard look. Are they sufficient in numbers? Do they have the right features? Can they successfully – not just see but – thwart away possible dangers?
Address these questions with urgency.
WHAT YOU NEED: More CCTV cameras that have night vision and, preferably, thermal screening capabilities. These days, these surveillance cameras have become advanced with many interesting and unique features. Since they are a long-term investment, you want to consider quality at the top rather than worrying about the price.
Raising walls isn’t sufficient. They are climbable. Further, even installing fences on top of them isn’t adequate unless you’re heeding to the type or kind of fence.
While more of apartment complexes are investing in electric and anti-cut fences, the number is still lower.
What we instead see is poor quality fences that are old, weak, rusted, and can easily be bypassed.
WHAT YOU NEED: In the outer boundary, an electric fence is the best bet. Within the perimeter, wherever needed, anti-cut and anti-climb fences must be used.
For many apartment complexes, deploying security guards seems like a tedious formality.
And this reflects in how the salary of the guards – and not their skills and experience – influence the secretary’s decision of whom to hire.
Many gated communities just have a couple of guards at the gates. And even those that have several guards, inadequacy in planning and ineffective positioning still leaves the residents vulnerable
WHAT YOU NEED: More security guards who have proper skills to deal with any kind of threatening and dangerous situations. Some need to man the CCTV camera 24/7; some should be at the gate; some should continuously patrol the area.
Manning more security guards alone won’t do it. They must be continuously invested in to amp their skills and preparation. They must be encouraged to train and adopt newer practices.
For instance, with drones now widely used for surveillance, are your guards skilled to pilot drones? Can they use newer technologies to provide greater security?
Sadly, in many complex apartments, security guards aren’t even paid sufficiently, let alone trained and up-skilled.
WHAT YOU NEED: Continuous investment in improving the skills of the security guards. Even when you have sourced a security agency, efforts still must be made on your end into ensuring the guards are continually improving and getting better with newer gadgets, equipment, and needed convenience.
There’s much more to residential security that just the guards and CCTV cameras. In recent times, this segment has seen significant advancements will new surveillance gadgets that are worth trying.
Not so surprisingly, the secretaries and even the residents in apartment complexes stand reluctant to try newer security and surveillance practices and equipment. And this leaves them vulnerable with criminals knowing exactly how to bypass the existing security measures.
WHAT YOU NEED: Discover and invest in newer surveillance measures. Try passive infrared sensors, motion detectors, optical fiber perimeter intrusion, and other such security technologies per your unique needs and requirements.
These are five security mistakes gated communities make that leave the residents vulnerable. How many are yours making?
If you’re the secretary of the complex, initiate a chain of communication to ramp up the security.
If you’re a resident, get other people aware of the subject, and then take the case forward to the secretary or anyone authorized to manage the complex.
It’s never a bad idea to be extra-cautious and more careful about your and your family’s security.
Basic improvements and proactive measures can keep hundreds of people within the gated community safe and secure.
So, what’s stopping you from attending to those “basic improvements and proactive measures”?
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For years now we have trusted SK Welded products for a range of construction projects I have worked on. A good Mesh Manufacturing company in West Bengal that doesn’t just talk about quality but actually delivers it. Plus, their pricing is equally appropriate, which makes working with them an obvious and preferred choice.
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