24/06/2026
I want people to enjoy where they live, but I also want them to feel safe.
That balance really matters in shared residential buildings, especially during the summer.
When the evenings are longer, I know residents are more likely to use communal gardens, courtyards, balconies and entrance areas. There may be more visitors, more deliveries, more barbecues, and more people coming and going.
I do not see that as a problem. Shared spaces should be lived in and enjoyed.
What concerns me is when the security around those spaces has not kept up with how the building is actually being used. Over the years, I have seen how small issues can create bigger risks. A communal door that does not close properly. An access control system that no longer suits the building. A rear gate that everyone forgets about. CCTV that is fitted, but not covering the areas that matter most. These are the kinds of details I look for when I review shared building security.
For me, good security is not about making a building feel restricted. It is about helping residents feel comfortable using the spaces around them, while making it much harder for the wrong people to get in.
If you manage a block or shared residential building, we can help you review your summer security arrangements.