There’s a dangerous myth that criminals are disorganised or unsophisticated.

The reality is very different, according to Residents Action Group (RAG Security), which has been protecting the Bedfordview community for more than two decades.

Crime incidents in the area have again highlighted the importance of layers of home and business security and regular security assessments.

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RAG states that criminals keep adapting and learning how to overcome specific security measures.

“Don’t underestimate criminals’ agility. Many of them can easily climb up onto a wall and balance while stepping over an eight-strand electric fence, to avoid triggering an alarm,” warned RAG general manager Mark Morris.

He said that a 12-strand electric fence should be considered, but added that it is critical to ensure that your electric fence is professionally installed and includes anti-lift brackets and anti-creep loops.

Morris noted that one of the most important security measures is an alarm system linked to a professional and efficient alarm monitoring and armed response service provider – like RAG.

“But the alarm and your security company cannot help you if you don’t use the system. Always activate your alarm at night and whenever you leave the house,” Morris stressed.

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Security beams in the garden are another important security investment. Morris said these should be installed by a security professional and positioned with careful consideration to maximise their effectiveness and eliminate blind spots and height gaps.

Cameras, lighting, burglar bars, security gates on all sliding doors and a strong, secure driveway gate should also be included in the layers of security. Residents should ensure that their gate cannot be lifted or tampered with.

Morris advised that technology solutions like RAG’s Gate Guardian can prevent gate lifting and tampering.

The ‘university of jail’

RAG said that residents should also not underestimate the learning, planning and observation that goes into many crimes.

In South Africa, repeat offenders often use time behind bars to exchange information, techniques and contacts. Morris referred to this as the ‘university of jail’.

“This is where criminals often compare notes, refine methods and learn how to bypass security measures.

Professor Rudolph Zinn of UNISA’s School of Criminal Justice and Police Practice conducted in-depth interviews with convicted criminals and learnt that robbers may monitor your home for as long as two weeks before striking.

“During this time, they identify routines, see when there is no one home and identify vulnerable access points.

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“While law-abiding residents are upgrading alarms and installing electric fencing, criminals are studying how to overcome them. But we should not be deterred, because security is not about fear, it’s about realism and knowledge,” Morris said.

“The ‘university of jail’ might produce criminals who evolve, but we can respond by being smarter, more proactive and more united as a community,” he stated.

To stay safer, RAG said that residents and businesses should ask themselves these important questions:
• When was your electric fence last tested?
• Are your beams correctly positioned?
• Is your alarm linked to a professional, reliable, responsive security service provider that is PSIRA registered; has valid public liability insurance, and has legally employed guards that are vetted, polygraphed, and treated and paid fairly?

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Residents are urged to always report any suspicious activity. Morris expanded: “Things to call in include a stranger walking up and down the street; a car parked for an extended period of time; someone watching or taking photos of houses or gates in Bedfordview. It might be nothing, or your call could prevent a crime.”

Call the RAG 24-hour Control Centre on 082 322 3333

For further information, please contact security@bedfordviewrag.co.za