Neighbours are often the first to notice something amiss on your property and therefore can offer another level of security to your home.
It is for this reason why it is important for residents get involved in their communities and to know their neighbourhoods and neighbours.
“There are many examples of successful crime prevention in suburbs where residents are actively involved in their communities. By being familiar with the surroundings of the neighbourhood and knowing your neighbours’ daily routines, as well as those of their domestic staff, it is easier to notice suspicious people, vehicles and activity. We also appreciate that tighter communities are in fact safer communities,” said Mr Clive Humphrey from ADT.
He added that knowing who lives in your area and engaging with your community often leads to combined security implementation and these have a far greater impact on an area than individual efforts.
“When neighbours start sharing security tips and reporting suspicious individuals or vehicles spotted in their area, security providers and the SAPS can get a better understanding of the activity in the area and implement effective crime prevention tactics,” he said.
Whether you have recently moved into a new area, or have been living there for some time, why not take some time to meet with your neighbours and discuss ways to keep your families and homes safe.
- Start by exchanging cellular phone numbers so that you are able to contact each other when necessary.
- Agree to keep an eye on one another’s properties and to contact the other about suspicious people or when something appears out of place.
- If either or both of you travel often or takes regular holidays, talk about doing small chores for each other while you are away. This includes removing mail from the post-box on a daily basis and switching on inside and outdoor lights so that your home does not appear unoccupied.
- Write the contact details of at least one or two of your neighbours on your list of emergency services numbers and keep this near your telephone. In the event that something happens to you or a loved one in your home, a neighbour will be able to assist you until emergency services arrive.
You never know when you will need help or if anyone will be around when you do.
