Alarm systems are a good deterrent, but what other steps can you take when such systems fail?
Below are a number of home safety measures from the SAPS website, that you can put in place to augment your household’s security.
Fences/Walls
A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall, due to the improved visibility it provides.
The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs free movement around the property.
Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be easily reached and are not lying around uncontrolled.
Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar-proofing all windows, are recommended.
Alarm Systems
An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by a switch/panic button in the house, is recommended.
Preferably, a few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should be installed.
An alarm must also have the capability of warning the occupants of any intrusion into the house.
Examples of alarm systems:
- Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)
- Improvised systems
- Threaded tins
- Threaded pieces of iron
- Gravel on window ledges, pathways or around the home
- Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
Biological Systems:
- Dogs
- Geese
- Ostriches
Security Lights
Security lights on the outside of a house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.
The lights must be directed away from the house and allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.
Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.
Safety Precautions
- Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
- Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
- If you leave your residence, inform your family/neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
- Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc. that could be used in an attack, are locked away when not in use.
- Vary your daily routine.
- Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights. Remain awake for a while.
- When you are asleep, you should not be visible in the bedroom from outside.
- Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
- If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, e.g. your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.
- Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
- Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e. bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
- The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
- Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.
- Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
- Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.
- Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
- Take photographs of all employees. It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
- Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contributes to prevention of crime.
- Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
- Keep copies of all your employees’ Identity Documents.
- Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.
Access and Key Control
- Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identified the person, especially at night.
- Implement proper key control measures.
- Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/door access can be gained.
- Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.
- Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
- Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to prevent easy removal.
- Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.
- Change locks when keys are lost.
- Insert barring devices in door locks.
- Remove keys from doors when leaving.
Communication
There should be two systems for alternative back up:
- Telephone
- Cellular phone
Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
Inform your children not to give any indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.
Emergency numbers to remember:
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- SAPS Emergency Line: 10111
For more safety tips visit: www.saps.gov.za
