THE people you allow into your home, whether contractors or employees, have access to one of your most treasured spaces. Make sure you can depend on them when it comes to security as well.
‘The people you have employed to work in your house or on your property form a vital line of defense in the fight against crime. You need to know that you can trust them with your property while you are away,’ says Les Rungasamy, ADT Security’s branch manager in the Richards Bay & Empangeni Area.
He added that while doing background checks might take time, they are important for home security, especially as many break-ins have been as result of perpetrators being given inside information.
Rungasamy recommends starting with a criminal record check, which can be obtained through the SAPS, with the potential employee or contractor’s consent.
He also suggests doing a reference check with previous employers. ‘Ask questions about dismissals, responsibilities, any security issues, tardiness, and so on. Their answers will give you a good idea of the person’s track record’, Rungasamy says.
If you have a security system installed and will be leaving the property for whatever reason, he suggests that you ensure that the people working for you know how to activate the alarm and to call for help in case of an emergency. It is also important they understand how to deal with a responding officer.
Good also suggests that employees are not allowed to give access to the property to anyone they do not know. Only if you gave permission for them to come onto your property should they be given any access.
Here’s how your employees can keep your home safe when people call on the property in your absence:
- Ask the person to identify him/herself by full name;
- Ask them to state their business;
- Ask them to show identification – company ID card, ID book or driver’s license; and
- Verify – by calling the homeowner to find out if they are expecting the person or call the company the person works for to check if this is indeed a legitimate visit.
‘Lastly, consider enrolling any employees who may be working for you for an extended period of time in local crime-prevention forums which take place in most neighbourhoods every month. These are often arranged by the SAPS or community members and teach valuable crime prevention and safety tips,’ says Rungasamy.
Follow ADT on their Facebook page and learn more about how they can keep your memories safe. Alternatively, email Les Rungasamy on nrungasamy@adt.co.za
