Have you driven around your suburb and seen properties with very low walls or no walls at all; the sprawling lawn leading from the road to the front door? It may give you shivers down your spine but it is more common than you think that people do not have proper perimeter protection.
Fidelity ADT warned this is not a good idea considering the crime statistics.
Perimeter protection is your first line of defence when it comes to keeping your family and possessions safe, explained Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT.
“While there are a number of different defences you can employ to keep your family safe, the goal is always the same – to maintain an environment that can be monitored which leaves you in control of who enters or who does not. One way of taking control and gaining peace of mind is to secure the perimeter of your property,” she said.
She highlighted that two of the most common points of access for criminals is gates left open or not properly secured and open garage doors.
According to Fidelity ADT, a combination of electronic and mechanical security elements and systems are highly effective in dissuading and detecting intruders. As such, the ideal set up is an integrated perimeter protection solution that incorporates other security systems, such as an alarm, electric fencing, CCTV and outdoor beams, all linked to an armed response service.
Hattingh added that since our homes are our sanctuaries, people want to be able to get home from a long day at work and relax.
Proper perimeter security gives you peace of mind to put your feet up knowing there is a physical barrier between you and the outside world. In addition, it is not only essential to keep criminals out but is also a clear message to them to move along as ‘this house is not an easy target!’
Six things that make a house an easy target:
1. No wall or fencing.
2. Low walls.
3. Gates left open.
4. Garage doors left open.
5. A clear view from the street into the house.
6. No electric fencing or other form of additional security on walls.
In conclusion, Hattingh said it is important to remember that criminals shift and change their patterns and behaviour all the time. Therefore, homeowners also need to keep up with trends and improved ways to secure their homes.
“The first principle of better home security is to make your home less of a target. This means looking at things like upgrading your perimeter, good sensor lighting around the house and an electric fence, outdoor beams and alarm that is connected to a reputable armed response company.
“Effective perimeter security allows you to monitor who comes in and also allows you to deny access to anyone who may have sinister intentions,” she says. “Just like your skin protects you from the external environment and invasive germs, your perimeter protects your family and home from unwanted intruders.”
