12 Simple Ways to Improve Your Community’s Security with Smart Tech

Security matters to every community. No one wants to worry about break-ins, stolen packages, or feeling unsafe in their neighborhood. The good news is that smart technology makes it easier than ever to improve security without hiring expensive guards or setting up complicated systems. 

If you reside in an apartment complex, gated community, or suburban area, you can enhance security through smart technology. These upgrades secure homes and public spaces and also help neighbors look out for one another. 

Here are 12 simple ways to enhance security and make the neighborhood a safer place for all.

1. Utilize Security Solutions for Apartments and Condos

If you reside in an apartment complex or condo community, security is a communal effort. Multi-family residential security solutions can assist in safeguarding everyone who lives there by incorporating smart locks, intercoms, and visitor management systems. Residents can manage who comes into the building using these systems without the need for conventional keys.  

Smart intercoms enable residents to visually and verbally interact with guests before opening the door to them, lowering the chances of intruders. 

Some systems provide visitors with digital passes that automatically expire after a set period. This implies that maintenance staff, deliveries, or visitors can gain access to the building without a physical key while ensuring the building remains secure.

2. Install Smart Cameras in Strategic Locations

One of the simplest methods of enhancing security is by placing smart cameras within the community. Contemporary security cameras are equipped with motion detectors, night vision, and live streaming, enabling residents and security personnel to observe the space in real-time. 

The cameras can be positioned at gates, parking areas, corridors, and other strategic locations to monitor any suspicious movement.

Some cameras also feature AI technology that can identify faces or detect abnormal behavior. When a stranger is present, the system can warn residents or security personnel. This makes it significantly more difficult for intruders to escape notice. And simply having cameras on site can deter would-be thieves from breaking in.

Additionally, cloud storage for security cameras ensures that the footage is securely stored off-site, offering easy access and protection against tampering.

3. Upgrade to Smart Locks for Homes and Common Areas

Classic locks are vulnerable to being picked or even smashed, but smart locks provide a better level of security. The locks can be operated through a smartphone application, keypad, or even biometric fingerprints. Door locking and unlocking are possible from anywhere, so home security is simpler to maintain while being away.

For common areas like gyms, pools, or mailrooms, smart locks ensure that only authorized residents can enter. Some locks even log who enters and exits, helping to track activity in case of security concerns.

4. Set Up Motion-Activated Lights

Dark spots also become easy to conceal for the wrongdoers. Placing movement-sensitive lights around parking spaces, pathways, and entrances is beneficial in repelling intruders. They turn on the light as soon as they notice activity, hence reducing the likelihood of anyone going incognito.

These lights not only enhance security but also render it safer for residents to be out at night. Whether it is returning late from work or disposing of garbage, well-lit streets avoid accidents and crimes.

5. Use Smart Doorbells for Additional Protection

Smart doorbells are an excellent addition to any residence or apartment. Smart doorbells have cameras and speakers integrated into them, enabling residents to view and converse with guests even when they’re away from home. When a visitor presses the doorbell, the owner gets an alert on their phone and can view the camera footage.

This is particularly helpful for package theft prevention. If a delivery is made and no one is present, residents can instruct the delivery person or request a neighbor to pick up the package. Some smart doorbells also capture video clips when they sense motion, giving helpful evidence if something unusual occurs.

6. Use Smart Sensors to Monitor Community Spaces

Smart sensors can be installed in various locations to sense motion, broken glass windows, or leaks. These sensors trigger immediate notifications to homeowners or property managers whenever they notice something out of the ordinary. For instance, if an intruder tries opening a window or a door using force, the system can raise an alarm and alert the required individuals.

In shared spaces such as laundry facilities, storage units, or clubhouses, sensors ensure that only authorized individuals enter these facilities. When someone enters outside of regular business hours, an alarm can be triggered and security or management notified.

7. Secure Properties with Smart Alarms

A smart alarm can be one of the greatest means of enhancing security. These alarms are integrated with other smart devices, e.g., cameras and locks, and can be remotely controlled by a mobile phone application.

If an alarm is activated, the system will notify residents, security personnel, or even the emergency services. Residents can also view camera feeds in real time to establish what is occurring before calling the authorities. This eliminates false alarms and provides prompt responses to actual threats.

8. Secure Parking Areas with Smart Barriers

Parking garages and lots are prime targets for thieves and vandals. Automated gates and license plate readers serve as smart barriers to manage entry and exit of vehicles. People can use an access code, app, or key fob to open the gates, with unwanted vehicles denied entry.

Parking lot security cameras also assist in monitoring activity and capturing video evidence in the event of an incident. For extra protection, motion-sensing lights and emergency call stations can be added to aid residents in the event of an emergency.

9. Enhance Communication with a Community Security App

An app that links residents, property managers, and security personnel can enhance safety in any community. Residents can report suspicious behavior, get emergency notifications, and have access to security tools such as smart locks or intercoms via the app.

Several applications even enable homeowners to monitor real-time security cam feeds, and they can enjoy peace of mind when away. Instant communication is more convenient when dealing with security issues before it becomes a significant problem.

10. Monitor Deliveries with Smart Lockers

Package theft is an increasing issue, particularly in apartment buildings. Smart lockers provide a safe method of receiving packages without fear of theft. Delivery personnel deposit packages in a locker, and the homeowner is given a code to access it.

This helps packages remain safely stored until they are picked up, avoiding theft or lost deliveries. Even some smart lockers alert the residents when a package is ready for pickup, making it easy for them.

11. Use AI to Identify Suspicious Activity

Certain security systems employ artificial intelligence (AI) to review videos and identify suspicious activity. AI cameras can identify abnormal patterns, like a person hanging around an entrance or trying to enter a vehicle.

If the system identifies a potential threat, it can sound an alarm for security or alert residents. AI can also prevent false alarms by identifying normal activity versus actual threats.

12. Promote a Smart Neighborhood Watch

A neighborhood watch initiative coupled with smart technology is an effective security measure. Residents can exchange live security footage, report issues using apps, and collaborate to maintain the safety of the community.

Using intelligent cameras, security applications, and instant messaging means, neighbors will be able to easily warn others about potential threat occurrences. Such measures will prevent it from becoming easier for attackers to move in and improve overall security in the neighborhood.

FAQs

How can smart locks enhance security? 

Smart locks render physical keys obsolete, making it more difficult for burglars to break in and enabling residents to access and control who gets in remotely.

Do smart cameras intrude on privacy? 

Smart cameras are aimed at public or shared spaces, and most of them have privacy features that enable residents to decide what they want to be recorded.

Can smart tech function without Wi-Fi? 

Some of the intelligent security gadgets operate offline, but the majority need Wi-Fi for remote access and real-time notifications.