Tips on when reporting crime, safety measures

The padlock of the front gate was allegedly broken off and found lying on the ground.

“Two men broke into our yard and stole my husband’s motorbike,” said Billy Pienaar.

It is believed that the motorbike was parked next to a vehicle in the yard.

According to Pienaar, the robbers also broke the window of the vehicle and stole the face of the radio.

Boksburg North SAPS communication officer Lieut Juanita Coetzer confirmed that a case has been opened.

She also offered the following safety tips:

*Fences/walls

– A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall, due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.

– The primary aim of the fence is to make access or intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.

– Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.

– Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

* The following devices prevent easy access:

• Window bars

• Security doors

• Security gates

• Razor wire

• Additional locking devices on doors

• Strengthening of doors

• Peepholes in the doors

• Safety chains to doors

• Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage

* Alarm systems

– An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.

– In the rural environment a siren or alarm on the roof, which can be heard over a long distance and which can be activated by means of a switch or panic button in the house, is recommended.

– A few switches or panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.

– An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.”

* Examples of alarm systems:

• Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)

• Improvised systems

• Threaded tins

• Threaded pieces of iron

• Gravel on window panes, pathways or around the home

• Obstacles that can make a noise when moved

• Biological systems:

– Dogs

– Geese

– Ostriches

* Security lights

Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.

The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.

Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.

* Safety precautions

– Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.

– Large dogs serve as a deterrent. One dog should at least be trained to sleep inside the house.

– If you leave your residence, inform your family or neighbours of your intended destination, your expected return time and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.

– Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc., that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.

– Vary your daily routine.

– Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights. Remain awake for a while.

– You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.

– Always keep a torch nearby at night and, when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.

– If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work or a visit, for example when your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home. Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home. Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.

– Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e. bathroom, toilet or storeroom. The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.

– Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.

– Involve employees as they are part of the family/team. Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.

– Take photographs of all employees. It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.

– Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contributes to the prevention of crime.

– Do not employ casual workers without a reference.

– Keep copies of all your employees’ IDs.

– Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.

* Access and key control

– Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identified the person, especially at night.

– Implement proper key control measures.

– Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/door access can be gained.

– Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.

– Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.

– Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal.

– Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.

– Change locks when keys are lost.

– Insert barring devices in door locks.

– Remove keys from doors when leaving.

* Communication

There should be two systems for alternative back up:

• Telephone

• Cellular phone

Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house. Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.

q When reporting crime and safety measures

According to Lieut Coetzer, when reporting a crime there are a few detail to take into consideration.

“When the police arrive at your residence, show them all the irregularities that you found,” she said.

“When there is a possibility of any video footage of the incident, please tell the police or notify your investigating official immediately.”

She emphasised that crime victims should not show the video footage to everyone, or send it viral on social media as this will hamper the investigation of the case.- @IschkeBoksburg