Fidelity ADT recently carried out some additional patrols in an area of Ekurhuleni to raise visibility and proactively look at ways for enhancing security in the area.
Linda Goodenough, community development manager for Fidelity ADT said it is often the small details that leave us vulnerable to crime in our homes.
The following trends were observed:
• Front doors and garage doors left open:
This is an open invitation to criminals. Most garages have a side door that leads into your house and this can be an obvious weak area. An open garage also gives criminals time to scout for valuable items such as vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, gardening tools and leisure equipment.
Tip: Ensure all doors visible from the street are kept closed at all times.
• Leaving dustbins out the day before collection:
Dustbin day is a weekly routine for most homeowners. Leaving dustbins out the night before encourages dustbin diggers the day and night before.
Tip: Only take your dustbin out on the day of collection, and on the day ensure your domestic worker or gardener closes the gate immediately behind him/her when doing this weekly chore. You never know who is watching.
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• Leaving garden equipment on the pavement:
Fidelity ADT observed gardeners leaving the gardening equipment on the pavement while they went to the back of the premises to fetch something, or went out to lunch, on three occasions.
Tip: Remind all domestic and gardening staff about safety and the importance of remaining vigilant at all times.
• Leaving curtains open at night.
It is so important to close curtains at night. Many homes are visible from the street giving criminals a good look at what potential assets are in the home.
Tip: Always close all curtains as soon as you need to put inside lights on.
• Distracted when you arrive home:
When you arrive home it is important you are not distracted by social media or your radio when you approach your driveway. You need to be especially aware of driveway robberies.
Tip: Remove all distractions as soon as you turn into your road.
• Not checking your gate is closed when leaving home:
Tip: When you leave, just wait a minute or two to see that your automatic gate has closed behind you and nobody has run in whilst the gate is busy closing.
“These simple safeguards can make all the difference.
“Criminals know the tricks of their trade so it makes good sense to avoid the small things that can so easily trip us up,” said Goodenough.
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