Small details leave us vulnerable to crime in our homes
Don't let criminals catch you unawares – pay attention to the small stuff, warned security company.
Linda Goodenough, Community Development Manager for Fidelity ADT said it is often the small details that leave us vulnerable to crime in our homes.
The following trends were observed recently when the security company carried out additional patrols on the East Rand to ensure visibility, and proactively looked at ways to enhance security that can be applied in all areas:
• Leaving front doors and garage doors open
This is an open invitation to criminals. Most garages have a side door that leads into your house and this can be an obvious weak area. An open garage also gives criminals time to scout for valuable items such as vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, gardening tools and leisure equipment.
Tip: Ensure all doors visible from the street are kept closed at all times.
• Leaving dustbins out the day before collection
Dustbin day is a weekly routine for most homeowners. Taking out dustbins the night before collection encourages dustbin diggers to start their rounds during the night.
Tip: Only take your dustbin out the day of collection and on the day, ensure your domestic or gardener closes the gate immediately behind him/ her when doing this weekly routine. You never know who is watching.
• Leaving garden equipment on the pavement
Gardeners tend to leave the gardening equipment on the sidewalk while they go to the back of the premises to fetch something, or went out to lunch.
Tip: Remind all domestic and gardening staff about safety and the importance of remaining vigilant at all times.
• Leaving curtains open at night
It is extremely important to close curtains at night. Many homes are visible from the street, allowing criminals to take a good look at what is in the home.
Tip: Always close all curtains as soon as you need to switch on inside lights.
• Being distracted when arriving home
It is important that you are not distracted by social media or your radio when you approach your driveway. You need to be especially aware of driveway robberies.
Tip: Remove all distractions as soon as you turn into your road.
• Not checking that the gate is closed when leaving home
Tip: When you leave, just wait a minute or two to see that your automatic gate has closed behind you and nobody has run in whilst the gate is busy closing.
“These simple safeguards can make all the difference. Criminals know the tricks of their trade so it makes good sense to avoid the small things that can so easily trip us up,” concluded Linda.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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