Frustrated @ apartment crime!!!

texas*princess · #1 10-25-2005, 07:16 PM

I moved into this apt. in mid-May and since then, we've had 5 "crime alerts" that notified us about car-break-ins overnight (which happens... just don't leave valuable stuff in your car I guess) and just today we got a notice saying that not only were there a couple of cars broken into, but the MAIL OFFICE was broken into as well. Apparently whoever did this dumped out all mail into the trash can and just went though the mail looking for credit card statements, bank statements... who knows what else.

I'm not sure when this happened b/c I checked my mail last night (around 10 PM) and my mail was there. Luckily for me, my paycheck was still there (direct dep. hasn't gone into effect yet). Did it happen after 10 PM? Today I didn't really have any mail except for the same coupons/flyers that always come in. I'm seriously confused.

I'm also really frustrated. This isn't a scary part of town or anything - what's the deal? Is this normal?

My first apartment in college we had no reports of crime (maybe stuff happened and we just didn't get notices about it?)

This is very disturbing ...

kddani · #2 10-25-2005, 07:19 PM

Complain complain complain! You're in a complex, so they're a little less likely to be crappy to you about stuff than a landlord with only a couple of apartments.

If there's a problem, and the complex was concerned about the safety of its residents and its reputation, it would hire some security guards. They could install video cameras, etc. Also complain to your local police department.

Be a squeaky wheel! They're not exactly powerless to prevent stuff.

texas*princess · #3 10-25-2005, 10:31 PM

Yea.. they are having a "crime alert meeting" in TWO WEEKS... which is a little ridiculous if you ask me. I'm really starting to rethink this apt. b/c some of the ppl I see wondering around look sketchy... So frustrating b/c I hate hate hate moving...

AznSAE · #4 10-25-2005, 10:35 PM

there have been gun shots and robbery in the apartment complex next to mine. they have stepped up security from night till morning, but i dont see any of them when i get home from night class. oh yeah, there have been many skank girls soliciting sex for money too. i get the the "be aware" notice on my door every now and then.

texas*princess · #5 10-25-2005, 10:42 PM

yikes that's scary..

i'm seriously scared to take my dog out to go do her business at night now and it gets dark pretty early..

honeychile · #6 10-25-2005, 10:44 PM

Since you live in a complex, you are entitled to certain reasonable securities. One, that you'll get your mail, and two, that you are reasonably protected from harm.

Call the police each and every time there's the slightest bit of problem. Keep a diary of every time you're missing mail, you notice that your doors or windows have been opened, etc - and call the police. Let the complex manager know that you are doing this - but keep your diary (or at least a copy) in a locked desk drawer at work or with a friend.

(Y'all know I'm going to say this one!)
Take the NRA Personal Protection course! It's NOT all about guns, it's about personal safety - both at home and outside. It will be the best $25 you've ever spent, and if you take the same class I took, you don't even have to spend ANY time learning about weapons & their usage.

Then, start saving up so you can move!

ZTABullwinkle · #7 10-26-2005, 02:09 AM

I have lived in the same apartment for the last eight years. I was robbed two years ago at Christmas time. The "old" windows (which have since been replaced) were apparently very easy to jimmy open.

The apartment complex put "charlie bars" on my windows to prevent anyone opening them unless the bar was released. (Similar to the bars used on sliding class doors.)

We have had little to no light in front of my complex at night. I complain about it every couple of months, but make my bf walk the dog at night. Too dark for me....

I would definitely complain to management and the US Post Office (tampering with mail is a federal offense). Keep a log of how, when, who you talked to, etc of the contacts you made about the problems. Worse comes to worse, start talking about not feeling safe there. See how fast hings start getting fixed if they are worried about losing you as a tenant.

_Opi_ · #8 10-26-2005, 03:41 AM

Y'all should ask for security cameras on the premises. That should at least deter some of the crime, like the mailbox issue.

Personally, we've been having problems with this one particular homeless guy who hangs around the front enterance of our apartment complex for the past month --as in every single day. Last time I saw him, I pointed at my cell phone and told him Im calling the cops..he shrugged and left. Needless to say, the cops are very slow at showing up (could be cuz the city let go of so many officers).

Rudey · #9 10-26-2005, 12:14 PM

If you are going to lie in a state with liberal gun laws, you shouldn't have to deal with crime.

-Rudey

EEKappa · #10 10-26-2005, 12:37 PM

Quote:

[i]

I'm also really frustrated. This isn't a scary part of town or anything - what's the deal? Is this normal?

My first apartment in college we had no reports of crime (maybe stuff happened and we just didn't get notices about it?)

This is very disturbing ... [/B]

I work in the apartment industry, so may be able to shed some light on this. That you've chosen a reputable, responsible management company that feels a responsibility to notify residents of issues is a GOOD thing. They want you to be aware of what is going on so that you don't have a false sense of security, and can respond appropriately if you see anything suspicious. There were probably just as many incidents at your last apartment community, but you didn't know about them. As we often say, "crime has no address."

Guards might serve as a deterrent, but unfortunately can't be everywhere at once. In my experience, there are just as many incidents of vandalism and theft on properties with patrols as without. Cameras might also help, but are expensive and must be monitored to be effective.

Most professional management companies avoid saying that they offer "security," as it's physically and financially impossible to keep such a large number of people and their belongings secure. They can provide preventative measures, but what's most effective is when management and residents both keep their eyes open.

Kevin · #11 10-26-2005, 01:46 PM

Wow.

Move.

My complex had 2 car break ins, after which cameras were installed. They also plan to hire a nighttime security guard in the near future. It's not a huge complex either.

Dionysus · #12 10-26-2005, 02:22 PM

Oh damn!

Jill1228 · #13 10-26-2005, 07:44 PM

I feel ya girl!

Ya know when I lived in the DC area, I never even as much as had my purse snatched (I lived in Alexandria, VA).

Then I moved to Everett, WA. Nice complex. I had a car break in.
My car stolen in Spring 1999. My car stolen AGAIN in Feb 2001. This wasn't a nice ride...this was my old 1989 Ford Probe Hoopty. I kept my car locked and everything. The first time it was found a couple miles from my apt...totally trashed.

The second time it was found about 50 miles away in Federal Way, WA