Is your apartment building is secure? Think again. Every day, strangers slip into buildings undetected, taking advantage of simple mistakes like held-open doors and slow-closing gates. These security gaps can lead to stolen packages, break-ins, or worse—putting residents at risk.
Keeping apartment buildings safe is important, especially in busy places like Miami. Many buildings have gates, keycard access, and cameras, but sometimes people find ways to sneak in. Two common ways this happens are tailgating and piggybacking.
Both happen when someone without permission enters a building by following someone else. This can lead to stolen items, property damage, or even danger to residents. Since Miami has more burglaries than many other cities, it’s important for both residents and building managers to know how to prevent unauthorized entry.
What Are Tailgating & Piggybacking?
Tailgating in Apartment Security
Tailgating is when someone sneaks in behind a resident or worker without them noticing. This happens often when doors take too long to close, giving an opportunity for someone to slip inside.
Example: A resident uses their key fob to open the entrance of their apartment building. Before the door shuts, a stranger walks in behind them without using their own key fob.
Piggybacking Security Risk
Piggybacking is when an authorized person knowingly lets someone in without checking if they are supposed to be there. Many times, people do this out of kindness, like holding the door open for someone with groceries, but it can lead to security risks.
Example: A delivery driver asks a resident to hold the door open, claiming they are bringing food to another tenant. Without checking, the resident allows them inside, possibly letting in someone who shouldn’t be there.
Why Unauthorized Entry is Dangerous
When people who don’t belong in the building get inside, it can cause big problems. Here are some reasons why unauthorized entry is a risk in Miami apartments:
- More crime – Miami has a high burglary rate, so preventing entry is important.
- Property damage – Trespassers can cause damage, steal packages, or break into cars.
- False sense of security – Many people assume that controlled access buildings are safe, but mistakes like tailgating and piggybacking make them vulnerable.
- Changing renters often – Many Miami buildings have high tenant turnover, meaning lots of different people have access codes or key fobs. Keeping track of who should be there is hard.
- Car theft risks – Thieves look for ways to steal from apartment parking lots. Catalytic converter theft prevention and keyless car theft prevention require proper security.
- Security technology is needed – AI-powered video surveillance and license plate recognition technology can help track who comes and goes.
Real-Life Case: How Unauthorized Access Led to an Assault in Miami
One recent incident in Downtown Miami highlights just how dangerous tailgating and weak access control can be. On August 26, 2024, an individual named Diontae Blackman illegally entered the Downtown 5th luxury apartment building and assaulted a resident. The building, which advertised “secure remote-control access,” failed to prevent unauthorized entry, exposing a major weakness in its security system.
A live video monitoring system, like EyeQ Virtual Guard, could have played a crucial role in preventing this breach. AI-powered surveillance would have detected an unauthorized person following a resident inside, triggering an instant alert to a live security agent. A remote guard could have issued a voice warning through a speaker system, deterring the suspect before they entered the building.
How to Stop Tailgating & Piggybacking
A. Use Technology for Better Security
- AI-Powered Video Surveillance – Advanced cameras like EyeQ Virtual Guard can detect and alert security teams when someone sneaks in.
- Smart Access Control – Keyless systems using fingerprints or mobile authentication make it harder for unauthorized people to enter.
- Visitor Management Systems – Digital check-ins ensure that only approved guests gain access.
- License Plate Recognition Technology – Tracks vehicles entering and leaving garages, improving commercial property security.
- Live Video Monitoring for Dealerships & Apartments – Ensures that apartment garages are monitored, stopping car theft and unauthorized entry.
B. Teach Residents and Staff About Security
- Security Awareness Training – Teach residents and staff about the dangers of letting strangers in.
- Signage & Reminders – Put up signs reminding people not to hold the door open for others.
- Regular Updates – Use emails, meetings, and security alerts to remind residents to be careful.
- Inventory Management System – Helps track apartment assets, so unauthorized people don’t walk away with valuable items.
C. Live Monitoring & Guard Services
- Live Security Monitoring – AI-assisted surveillance like EyeQ Monitoring’s Virtual Guard provides real-time threat detection.
- 24/7 Security Dispatch – Security teams respond quickly (up to 75% faster) to verified incidents.
- On-Demand Security Patrols – Guards can be sent out quickly if a security issue is detected.
- Dealership Security Solutions – Car dealerships use live security monitoring to prevent theft. Apartments can do the same to stop unauthorized visitors.
Why Miami Apartments Need Stronger Security
Miami is a fast-growing city, and many people move in and out of apartment buildings every year. Because of this, residents of controlled access buildings may think they are safe, but in reality, apartment building surveillance, AI-powered video surveillance, and business security solutions are necessary to protect everyone.
By using smart security technology, Miami apartment managers can make sure that people who don’t belong in the building stay out. Preventing tailgating in apartment security and piggybacking security risk keeps residents safe.
Another important security measure is business security solutions, such as inventory management systems. These help prevent theft in apartment-owned retail spaces, parking lots, and common areas.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Tailgating and piggybacking are common security risks, but they can be stopped with the right business security solutions. By using AI-powered surveillance, live security monitoring, and educating residents, apartments can reduce unauthorized entry and keep everyone safe.
Want to improve security in your Miami apartment? Contact EyeQ Monitoring today for a free security assessment and find out how Virtual Guard solutions can protect your building and residents.
