THERE have been a recent trend of robbers gaining entry through open windows, thus gaining access to the property, police in Malvern said. In view of this, here are some proactive hints are tendered by W/O Radhika Marimuthu.
– Ensure all windows and doors are closed before leaving the house and at night. Activate house alarms before leaving and at night.
– Avoid tall trees and shrubbery around the borders and entrances of your home.- Change your travel routes to and from home.
– Always check the driveway and surroundings of your home before driving in. If suspicious vehicles or people are sighted, then drive on, if possible to the nearest police station.
– If going away ask a neighbour or friend, to switch lights off and on and pick up mail.
– Do not leave an away on vacation message on your answering service.
– Do not leave keys hanging on your doors or on hooks where they can be fished out easily.
– Never leave tools lying around in your gardens as these can be used as weapons or to break in.
– Pay attention to barking dogs as they can make you aware of a crime in progress.
– Always keep your remote panic button close to you at night as you can alert your security company easily in the event of danger.
– Stacking metal stoppers along the rail will thwart criminal efforts in derailing the gate.
Apart from thwarting their efforts it will also cause a time delay and thus attract the attention of neighbours or the public.
“Attaching a lock to the receiving end of the gate along with the stacked metal stoppers can also act as a safety measure and a deterrent as derailing the gate will be more time
consuming for the criminals,” added W/O Marimuthu. She added that the time delay will work to the detriment of the suspects as they have a time frame of moving in and out of properties within two to three minutes.
Residents are to ensure that car and house keys are kept out of sight. Marking of their tyres is also advised so if recovered it can be easily identified.
“The vital role of dogs in thwarting housebreakings and house robberies must be stressed. By their persistent barking they alert property owners and neighbours of the presence of suspects and perpetrators on or outside the property. Rather than scolding the dog for barking, investigate safely why he or she is barking,” she said.
