Do Security Gates in Las Vegas Communities Help Reduce Crime?
Are you interested in living in or creating a gated community? If so, you are in luck, gated residential communities are being built at record rates at places all around the country. However, it’s important to note that these types of communities, while they offer a number of benefits, also offer drawbacks as well; dependent on if you are in property management or a resident.
Want more information? Keep reading for more information that will help you determine if this is a viable option for your needs.
About Gated and Fenced Residential Communities
All fenced and gated residential communities have a number of things in common.
- Fences and gates provide the perception of privacy, safety, and security
- In wealthy residential neighborhoods, where privacy is essential, it can dramatically increase property values
Using Gates as an Amenity in Henderson, Nevada
Gates are used as an amenity in a number of ways; dependent on the type of community that they are in.
- In order to attract new residents, large apartment properties tend to add gate systems as an amenity. However, it’s important to note, that the main purpose of a gate (on a property with low crime) is not the prevention of crime, but the perception of exclusivity and security that it provides.
- If the apartment community is in an area that has a higher risk of crime, gated systems are used to keep criminals off the property in order to reduce delinquency. In fact, many consider them to be a cheaper alternative to security guards. Unfortunately, they can also act as a barrier for emergency services i.e. fire or police departments. Therefore, it’s important to have a system that allows quick access like the universal keypad codes or specialized key systems.
Security Gates and the Reduction of Crime in Las Vegas
Gates and fences help to reduce crime because they limit the amount of unauthorized foot or vehicle traffic on a property; especially late at night. And in many properties, this reduction in traffic is enough to reduce a high percentage of the crime that occurs in that particular community. However, this effectiveness is largely dependent on the management controls that are in place and the nature of the property. Gates do their best work on properties that are stable with mature, noncriminal residents. For example, if you manage a property that caters to college students, it can be quite a hassle to maintain the effectiveness of your gate system. In other words, if it is your intention to install a gate system on a property that is full of rowdy residents, it will be a waste of money.
Who do we recommend for security gate installation and repair in Las Vegas? Get a quote here.
The Bottom Line
Fences and gates do not, by themselves, prevent all crimes but they can be an effective deterrent. To make them more effective, however, it is important to have the support of the both management and residents. For example, management must educate residents on the proper way to use the gate system as well as what to do when abuse and damage occurs. In addition, management must screen residents thoroughly and enforce community rules to prevent criminals from residing within the community. This, along with other precautions will result in the reduction of crime, property damage, and police calls as well as improve resident retention rates.
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