Article from Volume 6, Issue Number 2, 2019

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A SAFE CONDOMINIUM IS A HAPPY CONDOMINIUM - Spring 2019

By HUB International KATHLEEN VANDALE | Other articles by HUB International KATHLEEN VANDALE | Feature

The Insurance Industry has seen an increase in the number of break-ins occurring in Residential Condominiums, more specifically to the common areas. As the Corporation has the responsibility to protect the common areas, here are some crime prevention recommendations to help reduce the risk:

• Get to know your neighbors – Introduce yourself. If your neighbors know you, they are more likely to be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
• Lighting – Ensure there is adequate lighting at all entrances, exits, walkways, parking areas and other common areas that may be accessible to intruders. Add motion sensor lighting if possible.
• Entrance Ways – The most common way intruders gain access to buildings is by following a legitimate visitor or resident into the building. Best practices would be to ensure that unit owners or visitors do not allow others to follow them through the door. If someone does not have a key or access card and cannot get buzzed in, they probably do not belong in the building.

• Make detailed lists room by room of all damaged or stolen/missing items, identifying brand names and model numbers whenever possible.
• Secure Doors & Windows – Make it more difficult for an intruder to gain entry through a door or window. Do not keep doors propped open, close and lock windows whenever leaving the area. Remember, thieves can still scale balconies in order to gain access into buildings.
• Underground parkade (parking garage) – If the parkade is accessed by a security code, remote or pass card, when entering or exiting the parkade, a Unit Owner should not drive away until the door has fully closed. This would allow them to see if anyone was trying to sneak in under the opened door.
• Remember do not leave items visible in a vehicle; place them in the trunk if necessary. Do not leave fobs or garage openers in vehicles; always have them on your person or in your unit.
• Storage lockers – If a Condominium has storage lockers in common areas it is recommended not to store valuables in such lockers and to have appropriate locking mechanisms.
• Report any incidents or suspicious activity to The Board of Directors, the Property Manager and to the police if applicable.

In the event of a loss you will be asked to provide a claims specialist with a complete inventory of your property, which was either damaged or stolen. To be prepared, complete an inventory of your contents including photos or video (room by room) and keep in a safe place, preferably in a digital format that can be accessed from outside your unit. As you purchase new items update your list to include purchase date, place and price. 

IF A BURGLARY CLAIM OCCURS WITHIN YOUR UNIT

• Report to the Police – provide them with the date and approximate time of loss and the summary of damage on hand. They in turn will provide a police report number
• Contact your broker to report the claim
• Prepare a list of items that were damaged or stolen. Make detailed lists room by room of all damaged or stolen/missing items, identifying brand names and model numbers whenever possible. Identify where and when you bought the item and its original purchase price. This will be helpful, as insurance companies require detailed forms to be completed prior to settlement of a claim.

The best way to ensure your Condominium has the appropriate security measures in place would be to hire a security consultant to prepare a complete audit of the building We are all concerned about safety, a secure Condominium means a happier and safer community.

HUB International
KATHLEEN VANDALE