My Brother works for a Commercial Property Management company that manages high density living (apartments and condo's). He has shared many stories about how people have broken into everything from the Office, Maintenance Rooms, Storage Rooms, Club Houses, and Dwellings. Front doors are the usual means of breaking-in. Depending on the construction of the buildings, entering through windows are most common on the 1st floor, then 2nd floor, and even 3rd floor (the 3rd floor window break-ins used adjacent trees). Many people don't or forget to lock their balcony doors/windows. Climbing up and down balconies is very easy. Lastly, some enter from the roof tops by way of balconies, attic vents and access doors. The most bizarre break-in story I heard, the thief couldn't kick-in the door, so he broke into the neighbors apartment and beat his way through the sheet rock of a common wall; I would consider this very rare. My recommendation is to rent a property that has a security alarm, complete with window, door, and motion sensors. Good luck!

Tue Aug 28 2007, 18:13

The front door and windows are obvious entry points becasue they are the easiest. Fire escapes are often used but usually not beyond the 3rd floor. If there are balconies, they are also used -- but again-- the second floor is the most likely victim. So-- take an apartment above the 3rd floor and you should be immune to these alternative entry points.

Here's a burglary quiz you may find helpful (answer link at end of post)

http://blog.sellsiusrealestate.com/sellsius-real-estate-blog…

Tue Aug 28 2007, 16:59

In condos there are only two ways in.............the front door or a window?

If alarms work in your area you can buy the triple threat of regular entry alarm on all doors and windows that goes off when they are opened. You can also get motion detectors and glass breaks to back these up in case the buglar breaks the glass to get in, but does not open the window.

Mon Aug 27 2007, 00:34

10 Quick Security Tips

1 Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.

2 Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.


3 Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.


4 Create the illusion that you are home. by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.


5 Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.


6 Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.


7 Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.


8 Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.


9 Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.


10 Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community.

Sun Aug 26 2007, 18:04