Safety tips : avoid becoming a victim of burglary

According to statistics on crime in South Africa for 201314, house burglaries have risen by 6,8%: this means that on average 720 households are broken into daily. Shocked? You should be, especially since preventing break-ins can be as easy as A, B, C!
Below is a list of safety tips from the SAPS website:
1. Make it hard to break in. This can be done by installing burglar guards, security fences, peepholes and razor wire. An alternative would be the erecting of a wall or fence; this is convenient as it allows guard dogs to roam freely on the premises.
2: Install a security alarm system. An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent. Panic buttons should be installed in houses for maximum safety. Other alarm systems that can be used are threaded tins, threaded pieces of iron, gravel on window panes and obstacles that make a noise when removed. Another alternative would be biological systems, such as dogs, geese and poultry.
3: The use of security lights. Lights can be used to illuminate dark areas, thereby eradicating potential hide-outs for criminals. 4: Exercise caution. Ensure that all doors are locked and windows closed when you are away. Large dogs serve as deterrent – keep at least one inside of the house in your absence.
Don’t advertise when you are away. Trim back or remove trees or shrubbery next to doors and windows which may be potential hide-out spots for criminals. Keep valuables out of sight. 5. Be vigilant.
Employ a system with trustworthy neighbours whereby everyone keeps an eye on others’ homes and property.