Sharpen your home defence amid burglary spikes

Fidelity ADT cautions residents to remain vigilant about home security following a recent spike in opportunistic crimes.

“We received reports of wall jumpers between 01:00 to 03:00, jumping over walls and attempting to enter homes. At this point it is attempted burglaries as criminals cannot get into the properties because the alarm system triggers when they break the doors,” explains Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.

“The best defence against burglars, opportunistic thieves or armed robbers is to make your property as unattractive to criminals as possible by implementing extra precautions to keep your belongings safe, inside and outside the home,” says Hattingh.

“The perimeter of your property is probably one of the most important security barriers. It is an intruder’s first point of access, so you need to ensure your perimeter is secure.

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“Get physical barriers like barbed wire fencing installed. Always keep your security gates locked and ensure you remove the keys. Activate early-warning systems such as garden beams and/or electric fencing and ensure it is linked to armed response.

“Ensure your gate motor is in a locked steel casing or bracket. Make sure your alarm is working in all zones of the home,” adds Hattingh.

Get the family involved in security and ensure they know where the panic buttons are. Speak to your security provider about getting remote panic buttons.

“Tightening up vulnerabilities can amount to a relief about your home and personal security. Remain vigilant and do not leave anything to chance,” Hattingh concludes.

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