Be vigilant at home during the day

The incidents happened on a weekday, but it is uncertain at exactly what times.

In the first incident, neighbours became concerned as the gate of a nearby premises had been standing open for a number of hours. They investigated and found an elderly resident tied up and deceased inside the house.

In the second incident, a woman was concerned that her husband was not answering his phone. She requested ADT to check on the property. Reaction officers found the man in the garage, tied up and deceased. There were signs of a burglary at the premises.

Theunis Kotze, ADT general manager, warned members of the public to remain vigilant when they are at home during the day.

“I would like to reiterate that criminals attack at any time. They don’t have to operate under the cover of darkness. Daytime incidents, especially during weekdays, are extremely common because this is when fewer people are around and it’s easier for criminals to move around undetected,” he said.

ADT offers the following safety tips to protect yourself at home during the day:

• Keep gates closed at all times

• Keep security gates and doors locked at all times

• Early detection systems like outside beams and CCTV are a valuable extra layer of security

• Arm outdoor detection when you are at home

• Never allow strangers onto your property no matter what they say their business is

• Vary your routine. Don’t put the bins out at exactly the same time every week or don’t leave for work at precisely the same time, taking the same route.

• Carry remote panics with you at all times at home and equip your domestic staff with remote panic buttons

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when leaving and arriving home

• Report anything suspicious to your security provider or the Saps immediately – go with your gut. If it seems out of place, it probably is – call it in.

“We need to be smart when it comes to personal safety and should be forming simple daily security habits as part of a commitment to being responsible and vigilant. Personal safety needs to always be top of mind,” concludes Kotze.

What safety precautions do you take when at home during the day? Comment below, and let us know.