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