Can one get private security alarms for apartments?

:shrug:

My apartment has security doors but I don't know (???) yet if it has security monitoring for the whole building. I generally live in a safe neighbourhood BUT for added peace of mind I'm thinking of getting something like ADT to monitor my apartment (plus I live in a basement suite)

Can I do this? I'm renting...... Never thought about this before. :)

worth it. That, and good locks.

I'm just worried about people trying to break through the windows, etc.

and if so, why would someone break in? Has there been a history of that in this neighborhood? When you walk down the street in the morning, are there piles of broken car glass where cars have been broken into? That's a main indicator of the level of B & E crime in your area.

Are you protecting yourself or your property?

Have there been break-ins in your building before?

Can people see through your windows and you and your belongings? If so, curtains and blinds are a good investment.

You can make the appearance of living a life that will deter someone from breaking in. Put a pair of VERY large men's shoes outside your door or clearly visible in a window. (thrift shop) Change them around now and then, don't leave the stage static.

Buy a really large dog bowl and again, put it outside your door or in an area that's insecure and visible. Buy a sign that says "beware of dangerous dog" and put it on your door.

You don't have to own a dog or a man to put up either visual cue.

The best thing you can do is get to know your neighbors. Show up with a plate of cookies and say hello and ASK what types of problems there have been. Then make those neighbors your security partners. Look after them, and they'll look after you.

An alarm may indeed halt someone once he's made his way into your apartment. You can get one that is sensor and glass break/noise only, that will cover the allegedly vulberable areas of your apartment, without installation, should run a couple hundred bucks.

The point is to make sure you're not setting yourself up to be a victim by leaving drapes and windows open, underwear hanging in sight, valuables in sight, etc. It's a better idea to live a life slightly more anonymously and to think defensively. For the most part, people don't want to harm you or steal your things. But it's always a good idea to make sure they never have the opportunity.

I just got to thinking about things yesterday......

I just want something to protect the windows...glass break,etc..I don't advertise that I'm a gal on my own, I like blinds and drapery. I'm just thinking about safety. :)

However, I have no idea if it's legal or not. I'm sure the owner wouldn't mind you shelling out your own cash on something that will end up being a permanent investment is his/her property.

and a lot of apartment buildings, especially older ones, aren't wired adequately.

I really wouldn't bother, honestly. If you're on the ground floor or in the basement, security bars would be way cheaper and probably just as (if not more) effective.

But, I mean, it's St. B... Not exactly crime central, hon ;)

:) but security bars, would the managment have to install those or what? :shrug:

The only ones that come close to what I'm thinking of are labeled child security bars, but I've seen them at places like Can Tire that are just for security.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669963&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442152563&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1147112175668&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true
Nevermind, found them on the Can tire site :P duh


http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/crimeprevention/apartment.pdf

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442152587&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517501&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=2534374303517518&FOLDER%3C%3EbrowsePath=1408474396669963&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396669963&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474396670271&bmUID=1147112280662

I'm not sure how to say this without sounding... mean or rude or something, but... I think an alarm system is overkill. I can understand wanting to feel secure and, better safe than sorry... but an alarm system is a costly, often ineffective (in apartments) solution to a problem that doesn't really exist.

If you really don't feel secure, I'd talk to the management about changing the locks, add some removable security bars to the windows, and use common sense. :)

my sister got one after the murders some years back in Gainesville.

You can turn them on and off by remote control. Extra peace of mind, especially at night for a woman who lives alone.

:hi: