Top Threats Vancouver Condo Security Guards Address
Vancouver is a rapidly growing city, and with expansion comes additional challenges. While crime remains concentrated mainly in the downtown core, transit expansions around the city, such as the Broadway Canada Line extension, and developments near existing stations are leading to an increase in crime outside of downtown. Increasingly dense urban areas combined with a growing population can lead to issues surrounding vagrancy, hazardous litter, and theft, putting residents at risk.
Fortunately, condominium security guards are an effective solution for maintaining safety in and around residential buildings. In this blog, we’ll examine the top threats faced by condo buildings in Vancouver and how residential security guards mitigate them.
1. Vagrancy
Especially in the downtown core, vagrancy is a persistent issue for many Vancouver condominiums with street-facing entrances and parkades. Unfortunately, members of Vancouver’s unhoused community may seek shelter under covered entrances during colder months. This can pose a danger to residents and can also lead to unauthorized entry and break-ins.
Condo security guards respectfully communicate with individuals who are sheltering outside of residential buildings, informing them that they are not permitted to stay. Guards can offer guidance on resources, directing these individuals to nearby shelters, centres, and other suitable places to stay.
The right security guard company will treat peaceful individuals in need with respect and compassion. At Blackbird Security, each of our guards undergoes advanced training in crisis prevention, mental health first aid, and trauma-informed practice. These skills are instrumental in fostering empathetic communication with disadvantaged members of the community, who deserve to be treated with kindness.
Residents can feel confident knowing a capable security guard is on the property to address any vagrancy issues. Residents of condos that do not have a security guard on site may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands by confronting vagrants directly or by calling the police, which can add unnecessary strain to Vancouver’s already busy police department. Residential security guards, meanwhile, are able to address issues immediately, with a greater level of insight.
2. Unauthorized Access
Individuals who enter a property without permission may be attempting to break into units, access amenity areas, or otherwise cause harm to residents. Unauthorized access is a primary risk faced by all condos, not just those in Vancouver. However, Vancouver condos that open onto busy streets, have back alley entrances, or experience high volumes of visitors may experience increased unauthorized access attempts. Residents may inadvertently allow tailgating strangers into the building, or may accidentally leave doors unsecured, allowing an easy access point for trespassers.
Condo security guards are vigilant in identifying and deterring unauthorized individuals and trespassers. Concierge security guards are stationed with a full view of the front door and can easily observe anyone attempting to tailgate residents into the building. As they monitor CCTV feeds at the front desk, they can also see anyone accessing the building through other entrances.
Since concierge security guards build a rapport with the residents of the building they protect, they can easily identify any unfamiliar faces. When a stranger enters the building, the concierge security guard will greet them, ask their name, and record their information in a visitor log. The guard may also ask the name and unit of the person the unfamiliar individual is visiting to ensure their presence is legitimate.
Access to the elevators of many modern condos can be controlled by security guards. If a visitor is suspicious, the security guard will not permit entry to the upper floors of the building, request that the visitor leave, and may contact the police if necessary.
3. Vehicle Break-Ins
Condominium parkades are a frequent target for thieves, thanks to their secluded, low-foot traffic, and often low-lighting environments. Thieves may gain access to parkades by tailgating vehicles as they enter gates, or through other parts of the building that provide access to parkades. Since parkades do not experience regular foot traffic, thieves often break into cars and escape with stolen items before the crime is noticed.
Condo security guards effectively prevent vehicle break-ins. Not only do security guards continuously monitor CCTV camera feeds for suspicious activity, but they also conduct patrols of all areas of the property to ensure that there are no signs of break-ins, damage, or other suspicious activity.
4. Mail and Package Thefts
Package theft is a growing problem in Metro Vancouver. Many condos feature an easily accessible mail area in the lobby, which provides an easily identifiable target for thieves, especially when a condo does not have an on-site security presence.
Condo security guards are a strong deterrent for package thieves, who are far less likely to steal when they know they’re being monitored. Many residential security guard teams fully manage mail for their residents, storing all packages and letters in a secure room and handing them off to residents upon request. This further eliminates both accidental and intentional mail theft between residents, as well as preventing outside mail theft.
5. Dangerous Litter and Maintenance Issues
While on patrol, condo security guards look for litter and other maintenance issues. Dangerous litter refers to any item that poses a threat to residents, including children and pets, such as discarded needles, broken glass, and other hazardous materials. These items are most commonly found around condos located in downtown Vancouver, but pose a risk everywhere. Security guards may secure the area and contact the building’s maintenance team for removal.
Security guards are also vigilant for maintenance issues, such as leaking pipes, broken locks, out-of-service elevators, burnt-out lights, and other similar problems. When dangerous litter or maintenance issues are found, condo security guards contact the building’s maintenance team and write a report detailing the issue.
Blackbird Security guards create reports using the industry-standard security software TrackTik, which provides live reporting updates to our leadership teams and clients. This enables all relevant parties to stay up-to-date on incidents as they unfold and provides analytics for future process improvements.
6. Vandalism
Vandalism affects many Vancouver condo buildings. Studies have shown that visible signs of vandalism may promote further crime. For this reason, all vandalism issues must be addressed promptly. If a condo security guard receives a report from a resident about a vandalism incident or witnesses evidence of vandalism while on patrol, they will report the issue and contact maintenance to address the problem or install a temporary fix, such as a wooden board over broken glass.
7. Fire Safety Hazards
Fire hazards come in a variety of forms, including blocked exits, non-functional alarms, propped-open doors, improperly disposed flammable materials, and even trash can fires. Condo security guards conduct routine checks to ensure the building continually complies with Vancouver fire codes and that all fire hazards are promptly removed.
In the event of a fire alarm, residential security guards are invaluable. They conduct swift and calm evacuations, ensuring that each resident makes it out of the building safely and assisting elderly and disabled residents who require extra help. Blackbird Security guards receive extensive training in fire safety and have provided lifesaving assistance during past fires.
Protect Your Condo with a Top Vancouver Security Company
Blackbird Security proudly safeguards several condominium buildings throughout Vancouver. Since our founding in Vancouver in 2015, we have gained extensive firsthand experience regarding the unique challenges faced by residential buildings in Vancouver and seen how these challenges have evolved in recent years.
Whether through an on-site security guard presence or mobile patrol coverage, our condominium security guards provide an essential layer of protection for residents and property managers. Get in touch with us using the form below to learn how our team of experts can help keep your property and residents safe.
