Neighborhood security is a major concern, not only for the people living in a given area but also for real estate sellers that want to showcase a property’s value, and for potential buyers that are looking forward to settling down. The slightest sign of existence of crimes such as vandalism, burglary, etc, in a given area can see serious potential buyers bolting in other directions. This also has the inhabitants fearful for themselves and their family’s wellbeing.
People living in areas that have recently experienced increased criminal activity levels can improve this situation in a number of ways. Here are some tips on how to enhance security in your neighborhood.
Properly light up the whole neighborhood at night
We all know that most crime happen during the night as darkness offers a good cover for the criminals. If a particular neighborhood is poorly lit, then chances are that it will draw in crime like no other place. This kind of a place is quite appealing for criminals such as burglars, thieve, and others to prey upon. Security service providers recommend marking these areas and then having then lit up. In most cases, properly working landscape lightings is sufficient to ward off risky behaviors in an area.
People should have a visibility level of at least a hundred feet in all directions from their homes. This however can only happen if an area is sufficiently lit up. To scare away trespassers and potential burglars, it is recommended that functioning security lights be installed outside the homes. If possible, homeowners should also request that fully working streetlights be placed on the sidewalks and streets for additional lighting.
Start a neighborhood watch group
The closest protection a homeowner has is his or her neighbors. By starting a neighborhood watch, homeowners can pull together a community that is able to effectively ward off risky behaviors or crime around their neighborhood. These communities are some of the best ways to protect one another from crimes such as vandalism, assault, robbery, break-ins and the likes.
A well connected and alert community is better off security wise and much difficult to take advantage of. In simple terms, people with bad intentions are dissuaded from attacking this kind of a community. Once a neighborhood watch group has been instituted, meet on a regular basis to talk about the major security concerns. While at it, the neighbors should set achievable goals for improving the community as a whole. To help direct the neighborhood watch in the right direction, it is recommended to reach out to resources such as the local onsite security service company, police stations, and the likes. Security experts in these organizations are best placed to offer advice on where to get the needed security training or teaching for your neighborhood watch group.
Discourage people from trespassing
Make it more different for people to traverse your neighborhood by making a number of small changes in your surroundings. One of such changes to the surrounding environment is the installation of fences. Having signs all over the neighborhood warning of an active neighborhood watch program is also a great way to discourage trespassers. Prohibiting access of private property is also a good way to discourage people from trespassing. These changes though seemingly small have the effect of making it easier for the neighbors to properly watch out for one another
Hire uniformed onsite security guards
Hiring unformed onsite security guards is a great way to keep unwanted behavior far away in any neighborhood. These security experts are particularly helpful for neighborhoods that have experienced an increased level of burglary, vandalism and other crimes. By leaving the safety of your family in the capable hands of experienced and professionally trained individuals, you are ensuring the utmost level of protection and assuring your peace of mind.
Become an active member of your neighborhood
The best way to become an active member of your neighborhood is to attend events that draw people together. This also is a good way to establish a networking vibe that encourages community pride. Security service experts recommend community interaction as a great way to help identify people living together with an aim to develop a close-knit support system and know who might be trespassing. By knowing your neighbors, you will be able to easily identify trespassers or notice unusual activities around the neighborhood. Any unusual activity should be reported to the onsite security provide for remedial action.
All in all, while criminal activities might seem unstoppable when they befall a given neighborhood, there are a number of effective ways to prevent and stop them as shown above. Whichever the case, hiring a properly trained and uniformed security force is highly recommended for neighborhoods that already are feeling the negative effects of criminal activities. And above all, get to know your neighbors and work together to help deter crime in your area.
