Cameras or Code Entry Lock?

[Alecia Loveless]

Three years ago I bought a property with a coin op washer and dryer. I closed on the property during the winter and the Sellers closed by mail. Their daughter was managing the property while they were away for the winter and she was responsible For giving me the keys to the machines and when I received them there was only 1 set, no spares.

Since then I have often suspected that she, or someone has been collecting the money from the machines because depending upon when I check them there might be only $2.00 there total between both machines or if I skip 2-3 weeks there is still only the usual weekly amount of $5.00 in each machine.

The sellers still live in the building next door so it would be very easy for either them or their daughter to be coming over and quickly grabbing the money.

Would you recommend installing a camera in attempt to catch and prosecute whoever is taking the money if someone is in fact doing this? Or would you just put a key code lock on the door and give the tenants a code and see if anything changes in the amount of money in the machines?

There’s actually a laundromat right across the street but the machines are cheaper and offer a convenience factor of not having to sit around and wait while the clothes wash. It’s not a big money maker. It’s the principle of the matter of potentially being stolen from.

Thanks!

[Nathan Gesner]

The first thing I would do is contact the manufacturer and purchase new coin boxes. They will come with new keys and that will eliminate any risk of someone stealing.

if the situation allows, I do recommend adding a security camera to shared common areas. It prevents theft and a layer of protection to your renters. If you choose to add a camera, be sure to add signs making it very clear that the individuals are being recorded.