Crime Tip supplied by the SAPS to try and enhance your safety
With South Africa's Crime statistics as they are,it has never been more important to secure your home.While we expect that the police and security companies may protect us.That is not enough,we also have to protect ourselves and families.
Know all emergency numbers
Keep your cellphone in the bedroom
Never leave keys in a gate or lock
The locks on outside doors should be changed when you move into a new home or after keys have been lost or stolen
Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember outside lights that are on during the day draws the attention of thieves.
Mail left in the gate is also a sign that nobody is at home. Get a friend or neighbor to keep a regular eye on your property and to remove mail and newspapers.
Use lighting to your advantage:
Lights that are on inside while it is dark outside put you at a disadvantage
Lights that are on outside while it is dark inside will allow you to observe what is going on without being seen yourselves.
Curtains should be closed after dark to prevent suspects from observing the activities inside your home
Never leave workers or contractor unattended in your home
Do not leave ladders standing around
Conduct thorough background checks before employing anyone [ permanent or casual workers].
Request their identity document and make a copy for safekeeping. Check their references and do security clearances at the police.
Be careful what is discussed in front of staff.
Don’t leave your garage, front door or back door open or partially open – it serves as an invitation to burglars
Inform police of any suspicious characters who you consider to pose a threat.
If your house has been broken into,contact your nearest police station immediately
Wait until fingerprints and statements have been taken before touching anything
Unless it is absolutely necessary don’t allow private security personnel to enter the house or touch anything before the police have investigated the scene
Look for strange footprints in the garden and point them out to the police
A list of the make, model and serial numbers of electrical appliances and other valuable equipment should always be available for investigation purposes.
Walls and Fencing
A high wall or fence with lockable gates is highly recommended.Such a wall or fence will provide a physical barrier to intruders and will also allow dogs or other animals to move freely on the property.
the SAPS recommends a fence as opposed to a wall due to the superior visibility that it provides.In addition to a wall or fence,you may find some of the following devices usefull.
Outside Beams
dogs
window bars
security doors/gates
razor wire additional locks
safety chains on doors
Ensure that gates are locked at all times
Alarm systems
In our day and age a modern and effective alarm system is absolutely essential for maintaining a secure home.these alarm systems should be loud and connected to armed response or reaction units.
some tips of some home made alarm devices that can be used to alert people of intruders outside
gravel stones around windows or garden beads or pathways
thorny plants such as rose bushes,haak doring,haak en steek
obstacles that make a noise when moved
dogs
geese
ostriches
Lighting
Security lights around the house help protect the house by promoting visibility
Lights should face away from the house and should ensure that the occupants may be able to use the windows without being seen from outside
Home owners should be aware of any blind or dark spots.
General Safety Precautions around the home
Always ensure that your doors and windows are locked and secure
Always keep security gates locked
Make sure that you vary your routine
Always keep a torch nearby
Large dogs are used as deterrents,but keep at least one small dog inside
Ensure that tools such as axe's,spades garden forks,picks,tools that can be used as weapons,locked away
If you arrive home and find something suspicious or your dogs do not come out to greet you,DO NOT ENTER,call the police or armed reaction units to escort you into your property.Alot of the times the criminals are inside your house waiting for your arrival.
Keep a copy of your casual employees id book and do back ground checks on them,referrals,references,police checks,etc
DO NOT HAVE wage or payment disputes with casuals or employee's as this is one of the numbers one reason for coming back for revenge or robbery
Maintain good relationships with your neighbors.You may rely on them someday,or vica versa
Personal Safety Tips
Be aware of your surroundings at all times,including people
Do not wear jewelery in a conspicuous manner
Keep any money or your wallet close to your body at all times
Do not keep large sums of money on your body
Always carry your handbag in such away as to prevent somebody from simply snatching it
Do not walk or travel at night on you own,especially woman
Always inform someone of your destination
Trust your instincts at all times
Always look confident and calm if in strange areas,eg toilets,bathrooms,etc
If being robbed try remain calm and give the attacker what they want
If you have a firearm always ensure that it is in a safe place and always on safety
SECURIT2012