Peepholes.... easy and inexpensive DIY Security

If your unit is like mine, it does not have a peephole on the front door. Some of the units here at the Retreat already have one and that's great! Peepholes are an inexpensive and effective security measure and you can do it yourself with just a couple of tools on hand. Click on the link below for an easy step by step on installing a peephole.... or you can just call your landlord and he or she can do it if you rent!

How to Install a Peephole in a Door | The Family Handyman

I'm grateful that Kat started this forum--what a great idea! I'm dismayed that such a frightening crime took place, but I am not shocked. I realize now that I have been too careless about this residence--going out late at night to empty garbage, leaving my doors unlocked. Coming from Houston, I think of Chapel Hill as "safe," but that is foolish. And since I am from a big city, I think of crime as "normal," but that is complacent. I would like to use this opportunity to actively do my part to create a safe community where crime is not "business as usual."

Here are a few ideas:
1. Assigned parking--The point of this idea is so that we can more easily identify a car that is not a resident's.
2. Monthly meetings--these could be more like monthly parties (a grill-out, snacks at someone's place); the point is to get to know each other.
3. A contact list (hopefully this blog will become that); if we see a car with headlights on, we might call the owner and let her know; if someone who seems suspicious is hanging around someone's door, we could let the resident know... etc.

Does everyone know how to get in touch with Doug Brown? He is very professional and helpful when it comes to The Retreat. His email is douglasrpm1@earthlink.net.

Welcome to the Retreat!

Hi guys! I'll get this forum started by saying welcome and thank you for joining. I think after the incident that occurred on Saturday 10/22/10 it is important for us to come together in some way for several reasons. Number one: we need to make our homes and our neighborhood safe. I believe that in order to accomplish this we must create a stronger sense of community and open the lines of communication between us. It is my hope that this will not only help to make our neighborhood safer, but also help to create an atmosphere that truly feels like home!
Number 2: I would also like to establish this forum as a place where everyone can feel free to post their thoughts in a constructive manner about a wide array of issues concerning the Retreat at Franklin and the surrounding Chapel Hill community in general.... both positive and negative.
Number 3: On a more personal note, I am creating this blog to empower myself. After the events on Saturday I felt very frustrated that something so violent would happen in my neighborhood outside of my front door to another neighbor and I could not do anything to prevent it as I watched it take place.
Thanks again for joining and I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts!