Have you driven around your suburb and seen properties with very low walls or no walls at all, as the sprawling lawn leads from the road to the front door?
It may give you shivers down your spine, but it is more common than you think that people do not have proper perimeter protection.
Fidelity ADT warns this is not a good idea considering the crime statistics. Perimeter protection is your first line of defence in keeping your family and possessions safe, explains Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.
“While there are several different defences you can employ to keep your family safe, the goal is always the same – to maintain an environment that can be monitored and leaves you in control of who enters or who does not. One way of taking control and gaining peace of mind is to secure the perimeter of your property,” she said.
She highlights two of the most common points of access for criminals are gates left open or not properly secured and open garage doors.
According to Fidelity ADT, a combination of electronic and mechanical security elements and systems are highly effective in dissuading and detecting intruders.
The ideal set-up is an integrated perimeter protection solution that incorporates other security systems, such as an alarm, electric fencing, CCTV and outdoor beams, all linked to an armed response service.
Hattingh added that since our homes are our sanctuaries, people want to get home from a long day at work and relax.
Proper perimeter security gives you peace of mind to put your feet up, knowing there is a physical barrier between you and the outside world. In addition, it is not only essential to keep criminals out, but is also a clear message of ‘this house is not an easy target!’
Six things that make a house an easy target are:
• No wall or fencing
• Low walls.
• Gates left open
• Garage doors left open
• A clear view from the street into the house
• No electric fencing or other forms of additional security on walls.
Hattingh says it is important to remember that criminals shift and change their patterns and behaviour all the time. Therefore, homeowners also need to keep up with trends and improved ways to secure their homes.
“The first principle of better home security is to make your home less of a target. This means looking at upgrading your perimeter, good sensor lighting around the house and an electric fence, outdoor beams and alarms connected to a reputable armed response company.
“Effective perimeter security allows you to monitor who comes in and also allows you to deny access to anyone who may have sinister intentions,” she said.
“Just like your skin protects you from the external environment and invasive germs, your perimeter protects your family and home from unwanted intruders.”
