URGENT Building Security Issue

The back door of the building is not latching properly and we had an intruder. Locksmiths have been called and should be here later today, however this has been a recurring problem, especially after heavy rain. The door is wood, and will sometimes swell after rain, making it harder for the latch to work properly.
We cannot over-stress the importance of checking to make sure the door is securely latched each and every time you go in or out of the building, and not propping the door open.
Why? "What's the big deal?" you say. Well this is the big deal. We end up with this:

This photo was taken today. If you can't tell what it is, it's basically a hobo-encampment under the back staircase.
The door was not latched securely, and one of the many homeless people we have living in the area took the opportunity to slip into the building and homestead in our basement, complete with bedroll, liquor bottles and bags of junk.
The homeless person was noticed and removed yesterday, and maintenance is coming to clean up the mess, but this is a huge security and liability issue. This has happened before, and will probably happen again unless you remain vigilant. All the locks and cameras in the world aren't going to do any good if you leave the damn door open.
Most homeless people are harmless, but we don't know that is true in every case. Do you want a homeless person in the building? Lurking in the basement where you do your laundry? Urinating in some corner? Probably not. This is why you need to CHECK and make SURE the DOOR is latched behind you. It will take five seconds, and may save yourself and the building a lot of trouble.
By the way, if you notice a homeless person hanging out in this space, do not confront them, call the police immediately, then call Markwood. Calling Markwood first just ads an extra, delaying step to the process. thank you for your cooperation.

Rain and the Doors

With all the rainy weather we've been having this week, just a reminder that when it rains, both the front and back wooden doors swell and will sometimes not close all the way on their own. When you go in or out please take a moment to make sure that the door is fully closed and latched. Not much sense in trying to have a secure building if people go around leaving the doors open. Thanks!

Security Cameras

Residents of 24 Norman Street may have noticed the installation of several security cameras at various locations around the building. These were installed mainly in response to several reported thefts of packages from the mailbox area last Christmas and assorted small acts of vandalism around the building. The cameras cover all three floors of the building as well as the front entrance. They are motion-activated, infared-capable and record to DVR. Markwood Management is hoping that this will deter theft, vandalism and violations of condo rules. Failing that, it may help catch and convict those responsible. 

Door Code

You may have recently noticed that the old access code for the front door no longer works.
Markwood Management decided to change the general-access code for security reasons, especially since the old code had been the same for many years. The code will continue to be changed on a regular basis so that only authorized people will have general access rights to the building. You can obtain the new code by contacting Markwood Management.
You can still access the building with your own personal code, which is the last four digits of your phone number, or with a key. If you don't have a key, Markwood recommends that you contact them and arrange to get one, as a panel malfunction,  such as the one we had last year, or a power-outage, can make it difficult to get into the building any other way.

SHUT the DOOR!

If you are going outside to load or unload your car, dump your trash, talk on your cellphone, break up with your girlfriend/boyfriend, or have a smoke, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THE DOOR IS SECURELY CLOSED BEHIND YOU.
This has been a recurring problem and is a security concern for the building. The door does not always close on its own, especially in cold or damp weather, and sometimes appears to be closed, when in fact it is not. (see picture above).

Not to be an alarmist or anything, but we live less than a block from a homeless shelter, and near several court buildings. Homeless men regularly go through our recycling bins, and last week a convict escaped from custody at the Salem District Court and was at large for more than an hour before he was recaptured. If you want to run the possibility of strange people wandering the halls of our building, then by all means keep leaving the door open, otherwise take an extra two seconds to check and make sure that the door is indeed securely closed behind you the next time you go out or come in.Thanks!

The Back Door

In the past few weeks it has been noticed that the door at the bottom of the back stairwell has frequently been left unlatched. The locking mechanism can stick, and keeps the door from closing completely. Markwood Management had Secure Lock out last week to investigate. They could not duplicate the problem but lubricated the latch. It was noticed again yesterday that the door was again not latched.
We just want to remind residents who use the back door to be sure it has closed completely. The door seems like it has enough weight behind it to close on its own, but the lock sometimes sticks, and if you close it gently, it will sometimes not latch. It also can looked closed from the outside, but still not be latched. (see the picture)
Many residents, when dropping off trash, recycling, going out for a smoke or other errand, find it convenient to leave the door ajar, however, if you are leaving the grounds for any length of time, please make sure the door is closed. This is a potential security issue. Markwood will continue to keep an eye on it and call Secure Lock again if we continue to have problems.