r/Glasgow Tools

I (pacifist that hates confrontation) have a partner but tbf I'd be way more use than him if someone broke into the flat or was kicking off, bless him, so I don't feel safer for living with him in the nicest possible way 😂. I live on the ground floor but have had zero problems, probably because we're in an elevated ground floor flat and a bit back from the pavement on a short, quiet street. I grew up in a horrible area and lived in mostly sketchy areas by myself until my late twenties and again between 29 and 34 years old. Read the book the Gift of Fear if you can as I think it's awesome and great for learning more about keeping yourself safe without getting paranoid. Personally, I'd only avoid a ground floor flat if it was had no garden or space between it and the street, was in a super busy area near pubs or bus stops etc, or if the windows can be seen into very easily from the street. I like guerilla home security so on moving into my ground floor home I planted the spikiest, thorniest, evilest looking / feeling rose bushes and berbarus bushes I could find under all my windows, and that does make me feel a lot safer. I have added more window locks too that block how far the window can open and have 2 mortise locks on my front door in addition to the usual Yale lock. Whenever my partner has been away for a few days or a week I do feel very safe here. Been living here a long time now without any incident. But always trust your gut when viewing flats or areas, and as someone has already said try visiting different areas in a car at different times of day to get a better feel of a place. Nice neighbours in a block of flats make a huge difference - if a close is unkempt it's usually not the best sign. Also agree with making sure the close door is locked or shut properly too (my neighbours can be a bit lax with this) just in case. Be careful and sensible but you can defo have fun and live your life whilst keeping safe. Its so sad and annoying that dodgy blokes and iffy people make us have this as a consideration. Good luck, have fun and enjoy your independence 😊.