It’s more than just a lock on the door
Property owners should evaluate their safety and the security of their property in a holistic approach. It’s not simply installing the latest and greatest lock to a door and expecting to be safe. Safety is the constant awareness of your surroundings and the potential risks. If the risks are reduced or eliminated, your environment will be safer.
Personal Safety:
When it comes to personal safety, be familiar with your surroundings, neighbours’ and regular visitors to the area. For example, get to know the newspaper sellers on the corner. Notice how people dress, if a “street vendor” or “hawker” is wearing overalls that look very new, they may not be who they appear to be.
When leaving your property, don’t tell the world that you are locking up to go out. If you’re shouting orders to the family as you’re all locking up and getting into the car, passers-by will hear your plans and take note that the property will be vacant, or one family member will be alone at home.
Don’t be preoccupied with your phone. Be aware and first look around before opening the door or gate. Driveway hijacking is one form of crime that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Be very cautious when entering or leaving your property.
In a vehicle, whether moving or stationary, don’t leave your cell phone or other valuables where they are visible in the car, as this will attract thieves. Rather lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat if it is a bakkie. Keep the car windows closed, because when you are distracted at an intersection, you won’t notice a passer-by leaning in and stealing your valuables.
Always be aware of your surroundings, know where you are going and be confident.
Home Security:
You need to consider the security of your property as a layered approach with physical barriers, visible deterrents and use common sense. Starting at the street, the appearance of the property can be a deterrent, to the gate in the passage, these all contribute to your home security.
You should assess the security of your property from the street and neighbouring properties, to the secure retreat of the bedroom. In creating a secure home, you must consider escape in case of an emergency. A locked gate in the passage secures the bedrooms at night, but if there’s a fire in the passage, your escape route will be blocked. You need to have a secure alternative exit.
The layers of security to consider are:
- Secure the boundary
- Man’s best friend
- External lighting
- Monitoring
- Gates & burglar bars
- Alarm system
- Put away valuables
- Keep them guessing
- Be neighbourly
For more information on how to secure your home, continue reading HOME SECURITY – Part 2, A layered approach discourages burglars.
For further information on home security, contact:
Callan Murray – Atlas Security:
Tel.: 084 250 8192
E-mail.: callanm@atlas24.co.za
