Gate & Keypad = False Sense of Security
A neighborhood fence, gate, and keypad create a false sense of security for families in those neighborhoods.
Gated communities have exploded since the 1980s as families have sought refuge from rising crime statistics. While fences, gates, and keypads can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized vehicle and foot traffic in a community, it does not provide security from crime. In fact, these communities are advertising themselves as having something of value that thieves would obviously want. To that end, burglars often target gated communities due to their higher density of valuables.
Homeowners in gated communities, assuming they are safer, often forego installing security systems, or often leave those alarms off, frequently leave their vehicles unlocked, leave doors and windows unlocked, garages open, etc.
A gate with a keypad isn’t as secure as it seems. Unauthorized vehicles can gain access by closely following another car in. These same neighborhood homes are often frequented with pizza delivery, lawn, construction, pool, and similar service personnel. Those providers are often given the gate keypad code for entry. Codes that can be easily used later or shared with others.
An additional worry is that when burglars target a gated community if they are caught in the act, there is a lesser chance of escape. This alone heightens the chances of an escalation of violence, putting family members in jeopardy.
Gated community homeowners would do well to reconsider their relaxed standards.
Just as gated communities are vulnerable to crime, so are apartment complexes, isolated or unattended industrial properties, and shopping areas.
Maxxguard offers patrol services for these types of properties (apartment complexes, industrial property, shopping areas).
For more details about this service, call our office at (731) 427-7222.
