Security company shares crime prevention tips for a safer community

Even though a home security system is a great way to keep your home safe, you can never be too careful when it comes to home security.

Security company ADT has shared some crime prevention tips with the community, for a safer community.

Home security tips:

• Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks. The front door should have a safety chain or safety latch and, if the door has no vision panel, a door viewer. If keys to perimeter doors are mislaid, those locks should be replaced.
• Fit suitable spacers, locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks – the most common method used by burglars on sliding doors and windows.
• Ensure all windows are fitted with locks or burglar bars that cover all glass.
• Make sure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave keys in the door or make unnecessary copies.
• Install a safe for weapons and valuables. Duplicate house keys could be kept in this safe.
• Keep the garage and tool shed locked when not in use. Would-be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool.
• Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside which is activated by a motion detector.
• Reduce all heavy greenery near your perimeter wall and gate to reduce the possibility of those spots being used as hiding places.

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When at home:

• Always lock doors and close windows that are far away from where the family activity is centred.
• At night, always lock perimeter doors and securely fasten windows. When going to bed, lock inter-leading doors of those rooms that are not occupied.
• Do not leave curtains open at night.
• Do not go outside alone to investigate at night. Rather switch off all lights and open curtains to allow you to see what is occurring outside, once your eyes have become accustomed to the dark.
• Do not open any perimeter door without satisfactory identification from the visitor.
• Never admit to a stranger that you are alone.
• If a repair person is expected, do not allow entry unless identity has been checked. If in doubt, contact the company concerned.
• If you note suspicious vehicles, individuals or groups in your neighbourhood, contact the police or your security company.

When away from home:

• Do not leave hidden keys. Rather leave your house key with a trusted neighbour so that access can be gained in an emergency.
• Don’t leave only the outside lights on as this is usually an indication to would-be intruders that the house is not occupied.
• Leave lights on and possibly the TV or music playing as this gives the impression that the house is occupied.

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Other basic home security preventative measures:

• Ensure that anyone leaving your property can get into their car, start it, lock the doors and be fully prepared to drive off before the gates are opened.
• If possible, ensure that anyone leaving your premises can do so without having to reverse into the road. Reversing forces one to concentrate on the driving and not on what lies outside the gate. It also greatly reduces visibility.
• If your visitors have to park in the street, escort them to their car when leaving and check that the road is clear for them. If you have dogs, take them with you, especially after dark.
• Ensure that your gate and driveway are well lit after dark.
• Ensure that the number of your house is clearly visible at all times.
• Install electric gates.
• If you have electric gates and an intercom system, ensure that visitors can reach the intercom without having to get out of their cars.
• If you spot anything suspicious in your immediate vicinity, do not leave you property or hesitate to drive away from it.
• Be particularly alert if you live in a cul-de-sac, given the single point of entry and exit.
• Never leave any important documents in your car with your personal details.