Tips to avoid falling prey to burglars

With the risk of  housebreakings in Durban areas these guidelines can help reduce the risk of them falling prey to burglars.
Brighton Beach SAPS spokesman, Capt Louise Le Roux said incidents occur both in daylight and at night.

READ: Police nab housebreaking gang
• Don’t place spare keys under your door mats or hide them in pot plants.
• Don’t hang your keys on a rack where they will be visible through open doors and windows. Leave them in a drawer.
• Lock your valuables, such as firearms, jewellery and cash in a safe affixed to a wall inside a cupboard. Keep record of the serial numbers of electronic goods.
• If you are entertaining in your back yard, keep your front door and gates locked, and vice versa.
• Condition your children and their friends to lock gates and door behind them when entering the home and leaving.
• Have a light switch with a sensor/timer installed. Ensure your home has sufficient lighting, especially at night.
• Install an alarm system with a panic button facility. Ensure that every member of the household is aware of the placement of panic buttons, as well as visitors. Request a remote panic button/s from your security company.

READ: Police respond to Montclair burglary spike
Remote panic buttons are handy to keep in your handbag or on a key ring. A pre-warning alarm system such as alarm sensors in the garden and alongside outside walls, on the roof and ceiling can be effective. “Home invaders also gain access through garage doors or tool sheds. The alarm systems should also be extended to your outbuildings and garages for maximum protection. Test your panic buttons at least once a month for functionality and after an electrical storm,” added Le Roux.
• Ensure that all doors and windows, including those of outbuildings, are securely locked before leaving the premises.
• Have high quality burglar guards and doors are fitted to all doors and windows.
• Don’t open the door or gates to strangers. Have a door viewer (peep hole) and latch chain fitted.
• Condition your domestic worker/gardener to contact the police should they see suspicious persons hanging around your premises. Condition them to take note of a vehicle’s details and registration numbers. Affix emergency numbers within the house for easy access.
• Should you fall prey to a house robbery, comply with your assailant’s instructions. Do not argue with them, make sudden movements, or lie when questioned. If caught out you are lying it could aggravate them and the use of force may become intense, resulting in injury or death.

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