Get to know your neighbours

Residents should take the time to know their neighbours and become involved in their community in an effort to minimise crime.

“This is a vital defence mechanism in community security. Your neighbours are the closest in proximity to you when you are at home and are the most likely to be the first to identify a possible problem,” managing director of ADT Central Region Clive Humphrey said.

Humphrey suggests that by knowing your neighbours’ daily routines and those of the domestic staff as well as the surroundings of the neighbourhood, it’s easier to notice suspicious people, vehicles and activity.

“We’ve seen successful crime prevention in suburbs where residents get actively involved in their communities. This leads to combined security implementation which has a greater impact on an area than individual efforts do.”

Neighbours are advised to share security tips and report suspicious individuals or vehicles spotted in their area.

Security providers and the police can then get a better understanding of the activity in the area and implement effective crime prevention tactics.

Whether you’ve recently moved into a new area or have been living there for some time, meet with your neighbours and discuss ways to keep your families and homes safe.

Humphrey suggests exchanging phone numbers and working out small chore arrangements when you or your neighbour are away for a while.

This includes removing mail from the post-box daily and switching on inside and outdoor lights so your home doesn’t appear unoccupied.

“Agree to keep an eye on each other’s children when they are playing in the garden. Also, teach your children that if they are ever home alone and feel unsafe, they can go over to one of these neighbours and wait there until you can be contacted and can come home.”

Another idea is to write the contact details of at least two of your neighbours on your list of emergency services’ numbers kept near the telephone.

“By working together as each other’s eyes and ears, you, your neighbours, the police and security providers can make your suburb a no-go zone for criminals.”

Details: www.adt.co.za