Is Your Property Safe?

This month, CPE and Kingsley Associates ask tenants if they think their properties are secure, and what can be done to improve the safety situation.

“The security guards are stretched to the limit, and that’s when potential exists for someone to get by them. The most viable way to eliminate any potential exposure to risks of unapproved entry is to install turnstiles in the lobby.” —Chicago

“Adding security cameras and improving lighting in the parking lot would significantly help to deter thieves from breaking into cars. With the current parking lot condition, it is too easy for break-ins to occur.” —San Jose, Calif.

“Shoplifting is always an ongoing issue with any retail center. I feel that more consistent in-store security presence would be a good deterrent to repeat shoplifters.” —New York

“The only suggestion would be to ensure security guards are armed at all times, as there have been increases in security threats in large cities around the U.S.” —Fort Worth, Texas

“Some security personnel seem very relaxed and untrained. We would like to see the building locked down a bit more for security. The increase of security incidents in the country have raised concerns about safety.” —Los Angeles

“We regularly see tenants from either other floors and people who aren’t tenants using our bathrooms. We would like to see some sort of key or keypad system in place for the bathrooms since they are currently accessible to anyone.” —San Francisco

“When I come in around 7 a.m., I usually need to use the ladies’ room. It is very dark in there, and it doesn’t feel safe. It would be nice if the lights could be turned on earlier than they currently are.” —Miami

“Excessive turnover of security guards leads to an undertrained staff. Also, cars tailgating through the gate is an issue and the responsibility of all personnel to prevent, but there are other measures that can help to tighten security.” —Portland, Ore.

“When security incidents occur in the building, tenants should be advised immediately before employees catch wind about it. It is hard to explain to employees after the fact why they were not told immediately.” —Seattle

“Security is present, but not actively engaged. They sit at the desk near the building entrance talking on their phones and not paying any attention. They do not check in with the clinics or make rounds.” —Charlotte, N.C.

“Emergency call boxes should be installed in each parking lot. Also, anyone can gain access to the front of the building from the parking lot by simply walking across the covered bridge. There should be more secure safety measures taken to prevent this.” —Philadelphia

“There has been some crime and panhandling in the plaza at times. Regular patrols by security personnel would be appreciated.” —Oak Lawn, Ill.

“The security staff is very friendly and always there, so I feel safe in the building. Many of the security officers know us by name and make us feel welcomed as well.” —Atlanta

“We would like reassurance that the security team has been trained properly and that their system allows for us to void day passes given to visitors.” —Boston

“The security officers do their best to make this place safe and welcoming. That is most important—safe, but still welcoming! I can honestly say that I feel safe every day that I walk through those doors.” —Houston

“There needs to be better lighting in the evenings for safety purposes. Maintenance should conduct proactive floor walk-throughs to make sure all the lights also work throughout the building to help this issue.” —Baltimore

“I get very frustrated when security calls asking if a visitor can be verified, but the visitor is already listed on the preferred vendor list. We submit a preferred vendors list each year to allow access to our vendors to mitigate this annoyance.” —Boston

The building staff takes the safety of the tenants to heart and keeps the lines of communication open about everything from fire alarms to unsafe weather conditions.” —Jonesboro, Ga.

“Security does not enforce policies. Contractors prop buildings doors open and security does nothing about it. We have sensitive client information int eh office and we are concerned that this does not seem to be an issue with the security staff.” —Lake Oswego, Ore.