Follow these helpful tips for safer apartment living

A few weeks ago, the association wrote about security devices required by state law in every apartment — a keyless bolting device and a wide-angle door viewer on every door, a pin lock on every sliding-glass door and a latch on every window.

These only work if we use them, so make sure you get into the habit of using that keyless lock when you’re home. Take a look before you open the door, even if you think you know who’s there.

Here are a few more tips on safe apartment living:

Parking lot — Lock your vehicle. Don’t leave shopping bags, packages, purses or laptops in your car. If something needs to stay in your car, lock it in the trunk. Most car burglaries are “crimes of opportunity.” Let somebody else’s car be more tempting than yours. Lighting — Your apartment property’s parking lot should have reasonable outdoor lighting. Help your apartment manager out by being their eyes — you probably see your apartment community at night more than he/she does. If you see a parking lot light out, let the manager know. Don’t be afraid to be a pest. Most managers appreciate the extra help.

Gates — Access gates are a nice amenity, but they can be a real headache for the apartment industry. Your manager probably has a gate company on speed dial. Frequently, as soon as a gate is repaired, another resident bumps into it and knocks it off its track. Let the manager know any time you see a problem with your gate.

Wi-Fi — Wireless internet access seems to have gone from being a trendy luxury to a basic necessity in just a few years. Nobody’s interested in my little Wi-Fi signal, right? Wrong. Make sure you encrypt your wireless router. A cyber thief can empty your bank account much faster than the car burglar can steal the purse off your front seat.

Stay aware — Local television news always mentions major crime, but what about the day-to-day property crimes that never make the newscast? The Houston Police Department offers access to crime statistics for your area. Go to its website and check it out: www.houstontx.gov/police/cs.