Rental house security attracts attention

According to the "China Floating Population Development Report 2012" released by the National Population and Family Planning Commission, China's urban population now exceeds 50%, with the number of mobile people reaching an all-time high. In 2011, the floating population in China was nearly 230 million, making up about 17% of the total population. Managing this large group and ensuring their safety has become a growing challenge for society as a whole, especially for security companies tasked with protecting migrant populations. Since summer began, the security of rental homes has become a major concern.

As summer approaches, how can we prevent theft in rental properties?

Many rental properties are located in areas undergoing demolition, which are typically open and not fully enclosed. This leads to high population mobility, making it easier for crime to occur. The mix of people from different backgrounds increases the risk of theft, making the security of rented homes a pressing issue that needs urgent attention.

In 2011, Shenzhen alone had over 12 million floating residents, with more than 4 million rental units. Theft in these homes was frequent, and with the arrival of summer, temperatures rose sharply, forcing many tenants to open windows and doors to stay cool. However, this also made homes more vulnerable to break-ins. To protect their belongings, both tenants and landlords have invested in various security measures, such as cameras, electronic locks, and even guard dogs, all in an effort to combat theft.

Are door locks secure enough?

Rental door locks have evolved over time, with three main generations: the first is the traditional mechanical lock, the second is a one-way electronic lock, and the third is a two-way electronic lock. One-way electronic locks allow entry with an IC card, but exiting doesn't require a swipe. Two-way electronic locks, on the other hand, require a card swipe both when entering and exiting, offering the highest level of security.

Most village rental homes still use A-level locks, which are relatively easy to pick. These include flat and cross locks, which can be opened in just seconds. B-level and Super B-level locks are more secure, with the latter taking up to 270 minutes to open. Crescent-shaped locks are also more secure than straight or cross locks due to their complex key design, making them harder to duplicate. The most advanced keys feature zigzag teeth, providing excellent anti-theft performance.

Improving alarm systems requires government support

Alarm systems play a crucial role in early warning and deterring intrusions. When unauthorized access occurs, the system can send SMS alerts and video snapshots to the tenant. Loud alarms can also scare off potential thieves. However, during hot summer days, infrared sensors may become less sensitive, leading to missed detections. Therefore, it's recommended to choose detectors with temperature compensation features for better performance.

While technical solutions like smart locks and alarms can significantly reduce theft, the cost of installation often deters tenants. Additionally, the short-term nature of rental agreements makes long-term investments in security difficult. To address this, local governments have started to take responsibility. For example, in 2009, Nancheng District in Dongguan City funded the installation of wireless alarm systems in thousands of rental homes, improving security and setting a positive example for other regions.