“Don’t be a hero” is the message from Lionel Marks, of Super Cops, if criminals gain entry to your property or home.

He offers these tips on how to react in the event of a house robbery and how to keep criminals out:

• Don’t be a hero – view any trespasser as armed and dangerous.

• Your best defence is to put as much space and barriers between you and the perpetrator.

• Should criminals gain access to your home, comply with their instructions. Material possessions can be replaced.

• Keep all doors and security gates locked at all times.

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• Ensure panic buttons are installed near doors, passages, bedrooms and even in bathrooms. These could enable you to quickly sound an alarm and activate the assistance of your private security company.

• Audible panic buttons are recommended as the sound may deter criminals from further attempts to enter the home.

• Remote panic buttons are a must for all residents as well as employees.

• Report suspicious-looking persons, vehicles and activities to your private security company, community WhatsApp groups, as well as the CPF. Information sharing is vital in the fight against crime.

• Put your security system to the test. Test your systems, especially panic button activations, once a month. Ensure that you inform your service provider that you are testing the system before activation. Tests should ideally not be done during peak times, such as early morning or late afternoon.

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