All residents should get involved in their communities by getting to know their neighbourhoods and neighbours this year, says Clive Humphrey, Managing Director of ADT Central Region.
“This is a vital defence mechanism in community security. Your neighbours are the closest in proximity to you when you are at home and are the most likely to be the first to identify a possible problem,” he says.
Humphrey says by knowing your neighbours’ daily routines and those of the domestic staff as well as the surroundings of the neighbourhood, it is easier to notice suspicious people, vehicles and activity. “We have seen successful crime prevention in suburbs where residents get actively involved in their communities. This leads to combined security implementation which has a greater impact on an area than individual efforts do,” he explains.
He says neighbours start sharing security tips and reporting suspicious individuals or vehicles spotted in their area. Security providers and the SAPS can then get a better understanding of the activity in the area and implement effective crime prevention tactics. “You never know when you will need help or if anyone will be around when you do. Why not take the time to get to know at least two of your neighbours and get to know your neighbourhood better this year,” he says. Whether you’ve recently moved into a new area or have been living there for some time, meet with your neighbours and discuss ways to keep your families and homes safe.
Humphrey suggests touching on the following points during your discussion:
- Start by exchanging cell phone numbers so that you are able to contact each other when necessary.
- Agree to keep an eye on one another’s properties and to contact the other about suspicious people or when something appears out of place.
- If either or both of you travel often or takes regular holidays,talk about doing small chores for each other while you are away. This includes removing mail from the post-box on a daily basis and switching on inside and outdoor lights so that your home does not appear unoccupied.
“It is also very important to introduce your children to your neighbours,” he says. “Agree to keep an eye on each other’s children when they are playing in the garden. Also, teach your children that if they are ever home alone and feel unsafe, they can go over to one of these neighbours and wait there until you can be contacted and can come home.” He added that another idea is to write the contact details of at least one or two of your neighbours on your list of emergency services’ numbers kept near the telephone. “In the event that something happens to you or a loved one in your home, a neighbour can assist you until emergency services arrive.” “By working together as each other’s eyes and ears, you, your neighbours, the SAPS and security providers can make your suburb a no-go zone for criminals,” he concludes.
