In New York City, managing residential buildings—condos, co-ops, or multifamily properties—comes with unique challenges. Understanding the differences between condo and co-op management is key to making smart decisions if you’re part of a board or own property. You may also want to explore the full range of property management services available to enhance building operations, safety, and resident satisfaction.
Harlem Property Management is a trusted name in real estate management across New York City, helping buildings of all sizes run more efficiently. Not sure if your property qualifies as a condo or co-op? Check out our helpful guide on understanding the differences in real estate.
Today, we’re tackling a growing issue for buildings across NYC: package theft.
Smart Solutions for Condo and Co-op Boards
Here are some practical ways to secure your property and protect residents’ deliveries.
Install Package Lockers or Use Secure Delivery Services
Package lockers are one of the most reliable ways to prevent theft. Many buildings now have secure lockers where packages are held until residents can pick them up. This system ensures that only the intended recipient has access.
If your building doesn’t have lockers, encourage residents to use secure delivery options like Amazon Locker or UPS Access Point. These services keep packages safe until picked up.
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras act as strong deterrents. Placing cameras at entrances or package areas makes thieves think twice before stealing. If a theft does occur, the footage helps identify the culprit.
Make sure cameras are visible and cover all key access points.
Require Signatures and Delivery Notifications
Packages that require a signature are less likely to be stolen. Make it a policy to request signature confirmation or schedule deliveries when someone is home.
Residents should be reminded to:
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Check who’s buzzing before letting anyone into the building.
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Ensure doors close fully behind them.
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Report suspicious behavior.
Encourage tenants to use tracking tools that provide real-time delivery alerts via text or email.
Coordinate with Neighbors
Encourage residents to team up with trusted neighbors. If someone is often away, they can ask a nearby neighbor to receive packages on their behalf. This simple step keeps packages out of sight and safe.
Pick Up Packages at the Post Office or Delivery Center
If security is a concern, suggest having packages delivered to a local post office or pickup point. While less convenient, it significantly reduces the risk of theft.
How to Secure Your Building’s Package Room
A package room is a great amenity — but only if it’s properly secured. Here’s how to make it effective.
Add Surveillance in and Around the Room
Install high-resolution security cameras that cover all angles of the package room, especially entrances and exits. Add signage to alert people that the area is under video surveillance.
Use Access Control Systems
Access control systems such as key fobs or access cards limit entry to residents only. These systems also create digital logs that show who accessed the room and when.
Install Lockers or Secured Shelving
Use lockers or shelves that prevent tampering. Assign access codes or keys to recipients only. Place them where cameras can record all movement.
Create and Enforce Delivery Policies
Work with delivery providers to set clear guidelines. You can:
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Require signatures for all deliveries.
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Limit delivery hours to times when staff or residents are available.
Enforce these rules to avoid unattended packages sitting out too long.
Educate Your Residents
Even the best systems rely on informed and engaged residents. Regularly share reminders about package theft risks and encourage proactive steps, such as:
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Tracking packages closely.
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Picking them up promptly.
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Never let in unknown individuals.
If you’d like to help to secure your building and to protect residents’ packages, contact HPM Property Management. We specialize in supporting co-op and condo communities throughout NYC.
If you’d like to help to ensure your building is more secure for residents and their packages, contact us at Harlem Property Management.
Based in Upper Manhattan, HPM Property Management is the co-op and condo building management authority and a member of the Real Estate Board of New York. We specialize in managing condos, co-ops, and multifamily buildings.