Criminals shift and change their patterns and behaviour all the time. Homeowners therefore also need to keep up with trends and better ways to secure their homes, warned Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT.
Also read: Housebreaking still number-one crime in town – Mapogo crime report
“The first principle of better home security is to make your home less of a target; make it as hard as possible for criminals to successfully carry out their plans on your property. This means looking at things like upgrading your perimeter (which is your first line of defence), good sensor lighting around the house and an electric fence, outdoor beams and alarm that are connected to a reputable armed response company,” she said.
“Over and above the alarm system, it is also a good idea to install analytical CCTV cameras.
A single human detection camera that can be armed in schedules to look at the garden and alert you of the presence of a person during risk hours can be very valuable.
“Your security company’s control room is also able to monitor this and respond to activations.
“The best home security solution is an integrated one that can be phased in over time and one which creates a single-seat control environment. For example, there are systems that enable clients to view the status of their home security, quickly arm or disarm their alarm system, tap into their CCTV feed and receive alerts using their smartphone. In essence it acts as a keypad for the security system outside of the home,” Hattingh said.
Four additional principles of improved home security:
1. Remove temptation: Remove all valuables from sight so nothing is visible through a window. Park vehicles in a locked garage. Keep garage doors closed.
2. Reduce the means: Don’t let your stepladder be the means by which criminals get onto your balcony. Lock tools and garden equipment away and clear any bricks or heaps of sand from your perimeter. Never leave your wheelie bin out overnight as criminals not only use these to climb on they also use them to transport stolen goods.
3. Watch out for each other: Form a neighbourhood watch for your suburb or a street watch with your neighbours. Ensure everyone is on a security WhatsApp group that is well managed and where tips, trends and incidents can be shared. Get to know your neighbours so that they can be your eyes and ears when you go on holiday.
4. Keep your neighbourhood clean: Ensure your property and the suburb in general looks cared for. Illegal dumping or structures, acts of vandalism, vagrants and broken street lights should be reported and dealt with through the relevant authorities. A cleaner suburb is a safer suburb! Partner with your security company or ward councillor to undertake a neighbourhood clean-up where necessary.
These principles can act as a checklist, especially if you are aware that crime trends have changed in your area. Criminals are quick to seize opportunities and find ways to try to outsmart security systems and other deterrents.
“The golden rule is to ensure you reduce the chance of criminals targeting your house and suburb, and increase the chances of them being caught if they try,” Hattingh concluded.
