With the festive season in full swing and the announcement by the presidency of the release of nearly 15 000 inmates from prison as a sign of reconciliation, one might be compelled to “beef up”  your home security system.

Leandro de Beer, a security professional and certified Anti-Terrorism Officer says, working in the security industry, he is often asked questions on how to secure your home, in addition to a burglar alarm.

Crime statistics of South Africa are enough to ensure sleepless nights for most of us. Yet, it’s not only our country that’s privy to break-ins, theft and other more horrendous crimes. According to De Beer, the first mistake you can make is by implementing the “It only happens to other people” mindset.

Studies show that it takes about three minutes for residents to be overpowered by robbers. Multiple security layers help keep them out but, physical barriers are your last line of defence. They are placed there permanently and don’t rely on you to remember to switch them on.

Tips for anyone who wants to make sure their home doesn’t become a target for burglary:

• Have a number of small dogs inside the house that will bark when they become aware of suspicious activity outside.
• Teach them (the dogs) not to take food from strangers as perpetrators will not hesitate to poison them.
• Install electric security fences around the entire perimeter of the house, these fences need to be monitored by an alarm system.
• Install pre-warning alarm systems (beams) such as sensors in the garden, along the outside walls, on the roof, and in the ceiling.
• Subscribe to an armed response service.
• Install security lights outside, especially sensor lights in front of bedrooms.
• Install CCTV systems and an intercom system.
• Have layers of security as opposed to a single security system.
• Install strong doors and security gates with good quality locks.
• Install door alarms that are activated when residents are at home.
• Ensure curtains are drawn at night to prevent perpetrators from identifying the movement in the house.

Tips to prevent a dreadful house robbery:

• Set up a “secure room” to which residents can escape once they are aware of an attack.
• Panic buttons should be placed where residents are most likely to need them.
• Always check for signs of forced entry when entering or leaving your home.
• Keep a copy of the ID book of any employees who have access to or work at the house including names and contact details of their relatives.
• Minimising personal risk during a burglary/house robbery.
• Don’t make any sudden movements or noise.
• Remain calm.
• Keep your hands visible, but do not raise them above your head as the perpetrator could think you are signaling for help.
• Demonstrate a willingness to cooperate by either pleading for your life, or asking not to be hurt and saying that they can take what they want.
• If possible, minimize any eye contact with the perpetrators.

De Beer states that in his opinion the best solution to be safe when at home at night is to have a “Secure Room”. To this area, no one except family members has access to, after-hours when people are asleep. In this area, family members should be able to move around freely without triggering other parts of the house that is already alarmed and armed.

The more you expand your situational awareness and become security-aware, the better!