The Criminal

My father, who lives on the East Coast, comes to visit me in Phoenix each spring, just before the temperature skyrockets. He enjoys hiking about the Superstition mountains, sunning himself by the pool and taking day trips to Sedona or Lake Mead. But mostly, he enjoys his morning ritual of sipping coffee and reading the paper out on my sunwashed patio. This past April was no different.

During this last visit, he managed to lock himself out one morning. He went to the patio for his cup of joe, pulled the door shut and heard the dreaded click. It wouldn't have been a problem if I hadn't already left for work, or he had a cell phone with him, or he was dressed in something other than a pair of shorts (no shirt, no shoes). But all those things considered, he took the most reasonable action: He smashed my front window and broke in, of course!

The thing that most frightens me is not just the ease with which he broke and entered, but the fact that not one of my neighbors stirred. No one called the police or came out to inquire. When someone can break in to your home in broad daylight by throwing a rock through your window, you know you have security issues. Thank goodness, on this occasion, it was my father and not a criminal--but next time I might not be so lucky.

Self-storage operators face a slew of security issues daily. Not only must they worry about potential break-ins or other criminal activity commited on their property by tenants, they must be watchful of employee dishonesty as well. As a consequence, there are important decisions to make regarding security hardware--such as access gates, door alarms and video-surveillance cameras--as well as software that makes it operational and cooperative with management functions.

This issue examines the key elements of a sound security system, from security-minded site design to the technical aspects of hardware and software. You'll read about the lastest digital technology for video surveillance, the benefits of individual door alarms, wireless vs. hardwired systems, communications systems including intercoms and music, and master-keyed lock systems. Whether you're in the devolopment phase of a project or retrofitting an existing one, you'll find ample suggestions here to keep your facility safe and secure.

We hope to see you this month at our annual Trade Fair. This year's event takes place at the beautiful Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Miss., June 7-8. Please come by the booth and share with us any comments or suggestions for the magazine, or just to say "hello." We love to hear from new and seasoned readers.

Wishing you a safe summer,

Teri L. Lanza
Editor
[email protected]

For a complete list of references click here