There have been a few security incidents at Mortimer Gardens over the last year. Specifically, things stolen from an apartment, wheels stolen from a car, and break-ins to garages without very strong locks.
We are currently getting help from security professionals to understand what our weakest points are, and what our options are for making Mortimer Gardens even safer.
- Gates with electronic tag access
- Electric fence with alarm when shorted
- Spikes on fences/walls
These only work if we use them properly. It would be a waste to spend more time and money on security if we undermine the systems we have.
Here's what we all need to do to make the most of the systems we have.
- Everyone: Ensure the gate locks after you. Don't leave it open while you go to the shops. Extra tags are available. You are leaving everyone vulnerable if you leave the gate unlocked.
- Landlords: Ensure your your flat's doorbell works. When people expect guests, they are inclined to leave the gate unlocked to let people in.
- Landlords: Ensure your tenants have enough tags.
- Everyone: Don't let just anyone in behind you. You are not expected to deny entry to people you don't know. Just ask something friendly like "Oh, are you new here?". That could be enough to let someone realise they have been noticed and think twice about committing crime.
When the electric fence is cut or short-circuited (e.g. when someone climbs over) there is an alarm that sounds.
The alarm is the very loud one that changes tune over and over.
When you hear it, take a look around, even if just from your apartment, to see if you see anything strange. Let people know if something looks strange (e.g. on the block WhatsApp group) and call the police if you see someone climbing over.
If it looks like someone has tampered with spikes on the walls, please let the trustees and/or the managing agents know.