Ways to Better Secure My Apt?

I live in a nice, overall safe city, but of course I'm aware that no place is perfect. I got a notice today from my leasing office that someone forced open an apt door in the daytime & stole items. Usually a notice like this comes around Christmas.

Our apts have an alarm system, but I'm not too confident who will come running to help if the alarm were to go off. I keep a wooden dowel in my back sliding glass door & my window, but there's not much protection at my front door.

What things can I buy/do that aren't complicated nor will alter the property since I rent & don't own my place?

 

Can you ask to have a deadbolt lock installed? That would be my first step.

 

When I lived alone, my dad bought me a brace to put against the door but I could only use it when I was home.

 

Leave lights on when you are not home. Use a timer if you are going to be away.
Deadbolt is also a good idea.

 

Thanks for the ideas.

Yes, that would be great if they could. The thing about this is, they'd have to do this for everyone, which they'd consider a big undertaking.

Right, exactly what I knew. I want something when I'm gone too.

Yes, could be a deterrent, but I don't have any windows in the front of my apt, so it won't be too effective. A thief could kick the door in & he couldn't tell if the light was on inside or not.

 

Light sensors on porch light. Trim hedges down so door can be seen by road. Radio-tv on timer to make noise. Alarm stickers on door. Small dog.

 

Thanks. I'm in an apt on the 2nd fl, so I have no hedges & the leasing ofc wouldn't want us putting anything on the door permanently. I did have a small dog, but he wasn't a barker...which I like! He was more for companion purposes, not protection. Yes, a radio-TV timer may be OK.

 

In my property management days, very few people asked for deadbolts. If they did, we installed them, charged a fee, and charged a removal fee when they vacated. Not too many people thought the "hassle" was worth it. So, just ask - they might say yes.

 

All the apts have deadbolts already actually. It's not the MOST solid & strong, but it's there.

 

I would push for the deadbolt lock. The savings in insurance would be significant enough to be considered, plus it is a permanent improvement that stays with the building.