Every 20 seconds in the United States there is a break-in. Unfortunately, we live in a world where bad things happen. Crime is a reality and something that prospective residents will consider when choosing a place to live. I wanted to take some brief moments to share some tips on how to create a safe environment that can help deter crime from your Redding or Chico rental property. 

Focus on Landscaping

Landscaping says a lot. Avoid putting large bushes close to your exterior walls. Especially not below your windows. While large bushes and shrubs can look nice, they also offer a great place for thieves to hide.  Thieves will be looking for places to hide even for a minute while they try to break in. Try to eliminate as many of these places as possible. 

Focus on Lighting

A well-lit exterior is a massive deterrent for prospective criminals. Thieves try to operate in stealthy conditions. Dark and abandoned places in and around your property are going to be attractive to these criminals.

Regularly maintaining and enhancing the lighting around your Redding or Chico rental property is another great idea if you want to cut down on the break ins in your area. Motion sensor flood lights are also a great and inexpensive tool that will help with securing your property. 

Secure Window Unit Air Conditioners

Human beings tend to take the path of least resistance. If a thief can walk by and see that an air conditioner unit is not secured it’s like putting a welcome sign on that window. Securing window AC units is not particularly difficult or expensive, so it’s worth it to make sure they’re all secure. 

Have a Police Officer Look at Your Property

A police officer has been to the site of many break ins in your local area. He has dissected and seen the factors that lead up to crimes on properties. He will be able to give you an in-depth explanation of what is causing the trouble spots at your property. They will also be able to give you valuable information regarding the current state of crime in your neighborhood. Best of all this is a free service that your local police department can do for your property. It’s a no-brainer when you’re trying to make your Redding or Chico rental property safer for residents. 

Video Cameras

Depending on the size of your property, video cameras can be an excellent way to add extra security to your property. Nowadays there are inexpensive and wireless options for security cameras. No longer do you need an expert security company to come in and install an elaborate closed-circuit video system on your property. There are many options that are very easy to install and are very reasonable. 

I just took a tour of a brand-new student facility. The developers built a super modern luxury apartment complex in the middle of one of the worst neighborhoods in our city. They had gated parking and only keyed entrances from the exterior.

While I was on the tour, one of the first and main points they brought up was the safety of the facility. The tour guide pointed to security cameras on the exterior and in the common areas inside of the property as he noted how safe and secure the property was. His speech must have been working because they were able to achieve the highest rent per square foot in our cities history in one of the worst locations. Not bad. 

Secure Ancillary Amenities

If you have storage units, laundry facilities, garage areas or patios you are not going to want to ignore these areas. Lock up your storage units, make sure patios are well lit, and secure your laundry facilities.

Well what do you think, did we miss any important points? Please let me know in the comments section below. Also, if you’re interested in management services for your rental property, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Hignell Property Management!