Don’t allow crime to get the better of you!
Security is a subject on almost everyones lips. South Africans are growing increasingly concerned by the level of crime and in particular that of home burglary. The subsequent emotional and financial impact of a break-in is devastating and traumatic.
Security is not only a South African problem, it is world wide.
One international survey found that in 10 per cent of the break-ins, the burglar was confronted by the householder placing their life and the lives of their family at risk. It was also found that property was damaged in almost half (48 per cent to be exact) of incidents.
Findings in US research that suggests that it takes an average of four months to recover from the stress of a break-in. What has become clear is that there can be much more to deal with than just replacing the stolen items.
How does one replace peace of mind? The best we can do is be vigilant and prepared.
Here are a few suggestions offered by security professionals to minimise if not prevent, someone compromizing your personal security.
- Close and lock everything when you leave? - How often don’t we run down the road on a quick errand and only do a quick check to see if all is closed and secure?
Please ensure that overtime you step out your home that you ensure that every window, door, opening is securely shut, to prevent the opportunistic thief from making a quick withdrawal.
This measure also includes the locking of vehicles when parked in the driveway of your home. Thieves are becoming more and more brazen in their attempts. - Don't provide place for an intruder to hide - Yes we know you love your garden but, don’t allow for huge bushes to grow that obscure your front door, the number of your house, your entrance gate etc. Look at installing motion detectors in your garden that will immediately signal you that there’s an intruder.
By making sure your house number is visible, you ensure that if the police respond to a situation that they will not waste time looking for the number on your house. - Upgrade your defences - In this day and age it pays to not only burglar proof your windows and doors, but to also have an inner passage security door that would prevent anyone sneaking into your bedroom at night.
- Monitor all targets - Very often tools are taking out of garden sheds to assist criminals to break into your own home. Ensure that your garden shed is securely locked at all times. Also seriously consider installing outside lights that would light up at any movement in your yard. These lights are not expensive to install.
- Security doesn't go on holiday - It is absolutely essential to connect with neighbours and inform them when you go on vacation, or if you are going to be away for a while. Ask them to clear your postbox and report any suspicious movement if any. Exchange contact numbers in case of emergencies.
- Keep your keys safe - Did you know that keys are easily copied. We have a perception of locks and locking mechanisms that is totally naive, in my opinion. Keep your keys safe and on your person. Do not think that anything with a lock is secure. Ask your local key smith about your keys and if any of your keys / locks are easily broken into.
- Keep your safe a secret - If you’re going to keep a safe, don’t let the whole world know it’s there. Anyone knows or expects there to be money inside. A safe is as safe as it is secret. Your security will be compromised if outsiders know you have a safe.
- Valuables and their packaging - If you splash out on new devices, TV’s computers etc, rather tear up properly the packaging they came in, or get rid of the packaging far from your house. The casual rubbish bin scrounger can tell you have goods worth stealing just by glancing at your trash.
- Alarm systems and barking dogs - Another layer of defence to your home is an alarm system. A decent alarm system is not that expensive these days and should be able to accommodate all your rooms, entry points as well as any outside buildings etc. A barking dog can also provide effective security for your home. Even installing a "Beware of the dog" sign on your gate can act as a deterrent.
- Action plan - Should it happen that you are in the house when intruders break in. It is too late to start coming up with a plan. Sit down as a family and formulate a security plan of action so that you all know what to do in a crisis situation. You will need to stay calm and quite and clear in your mind. The chances of harm are far greater if you panic, scream and act in fear.
These are basic tips and suggestions for you and your family’s security. We will be posting further tips over time to equip you with more info and insight on how to protect yourself against the rising wave of crime in our country and the world. You can also follow us on Facebook and Google+ to continue the conversation.