{"id":8687,"date":"2026-10-30T09:54:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-30T09:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parte.be\/blog\/\/a-secure-apartment-building\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T09:55:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T09:55:54","slug":"a-secure-apartment-building","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parte.be\/en\/blog\/surveillance\/a-secure-apartment-building\/","title":{"rendered":"A secure apartment building"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since the start of winter time, it has been getting dark around half past five, and in December even before five o'clock. You come home in the dark more often, the entrance hall and the car park are quieter, and those wishing to enter unseen have more opportunities.<\/p>\n\n

This is not just a feeling, but a pattern. According to figures from the federal police, almost a third of all residential burglaries occur during the winter months, with December as the peak month. In the summer, this is approximately one-fifth.<\/p>\n\n

The good news: most problems can be prevented with a few simple habits. In an apartment building, you share access with all your neighbours, so these habits protect more than just yourself. Below you will find 8 concrete tips, and what your Property Manager and the Owners Association<\/a> can do extra.<\/p>\n\n

Access: the entrance door is your first lock<\/h2>\n\n

An apartment building is only as secure as its weakest door. Anyone who passes the entrance door is already at your front door, in the cellar, or in the car park.<\/p>\n\n

1. Let every door and gate close completely<\/h3>\n\n

This applies to the entrance door, the garage gate, the door to the cellar or bicycle storage, and the emergency exit. Wait until you hear the door click shut. Only drive away once the garage gate is fully closed, so no one can walk in behind your car.<\/p>\n\n

Does a door close slowly, does it get stuck, or does it no longer lock? Do not place a wedge or fire extinguisher in between, but report it immediately. Furthermore, a fire door held open is a risk in the event of a fire.<\/p>\n\n

2. Do not open blindly via the intercom<\/h3>\n\n

Do not automatically press the button when someone rings. Ask who is there and who they are visiting. If you are not expecting a visitor or delivery and receive a vague answer such as \"mail\" or \"advertising\", you do not have to open the door.<\/p>\n\n

Anyone who rings all the bells at once is hoping someone will open without asking questions. A genuine visitor rings the person they are coming to visit. If your building has a video intercom, always check who is standing there first.<\/p>\n\n

3. Do not let tailgaters in<\/h3>\n\n

Is someone walking in right behind you or asking you to hold the door open? Then kindly ask who that person is visiting. If you are in doubt, simply let the door close. Anyone with an appointment can always ring the bell.<\/p>\n\n

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Keeping a door closed is not impolite. It is a way to protect all your neighbours.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

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4. Handle keys and badges with care<\/h3>\n\n

Do not simply hand over your key or entrance badge to a handyman, delivery person, or acquaintance. Have you lost a badge or key? Report it immediately to your Property Manager so that a badge can be deactivated before someone else uses it.<\/p>\n\n

Are you renting out your apartment? Request all keys and badges back every time a tenant leaves. Key safes on the facade and access codes circulating with every guest make the building more vulnerable. Check the internal house rules to see what is permitted in your building.<\/p>\n\n

Lighting: light makes a world of difference<\/h2>\n\n

Good lighting ensures you can go up the stairs safely and deters people who prefer to remain unseen.<\/p>\n\n

5. Ensure there is light in all common areas<\/h3>\n\n

Take a conscious walk through these areas when it is dark:<\/p>\n\n