The Legal Chronicle
(WRAL)
North Carolina apartment residents have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes. Yet, while home owners can implement any security precaution they deem necessary to protect themselves and their families, apartment tenants are largely at the mercy of their property owner and management company to deter crime. Security measures may include gated-entry, fencing, monitored surveillance cameras, off-duty police patrols, private security personnel, bright lighting, and background checks for both tenants and employees. Sadly, such precautions are all too often neglected to limit financial exposure. This inaction and greed can have devastating consequences.
According to WRAL, Durham police are searching for robbers who appear to be “targeting apartment complexes with large Hispanic populations.” There have been 13 reported robberies this week “and the suspects in each case displayed a gun before taking wallets, cash and cellphones from victims.”
The robberies raise grave questions about apartment complex security measures and what additional precautions property owners and management companies are taking to protect their tenants during this crime wave.
While security is ultimately the responsibility of the complex owner, Durham police urge apartment residents to take safety precautions:
- Do not loiter in parking lots.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Have your keys ready when approaching to enter your apartment or your vehicle.
- Do not carry large amounts of money or jewelry.
- Do not walk alone at night.
- If someone is following you, do not drive directly to your neighborhood. Instead, drive to a well-lit area.
- When you are walking, avoid strangers or groups of strangers.
- Park your vehicle in well-lit areas.
- Do not open your home door to strangers. Call 911 immediately.
Victims of Durham Apartment Assault or Injury: What Are My Legal Options for Justice and Compensation?
By law, North Carolina apartment complex owners have a duty to protect tenants and guests from any foreseeable harm. Should a property owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries, sexual assaults, or wrongful deaths suffered as a consequence. Compensation may be in the tens of millions of dollars. As each case and property is unique, victims of apartment crime should speak with an experienced security negligence firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage or broken lighting, is preserved and their best interests are protected.
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