Tips to prevent house break-ins

He added that any houses are targeted, but most houses with very high walls and aluminum window frames.

“The suspects will remove the bottom window and will open the top window or they will remove roof tiles to gain entry into the ceiling and then open the trapdoor to get into the house.

“They will take items they can carry and will put all these items in a blanket. Vehicles are also sometimes used to take the loot away.

“The suspects also target houses they can see have big television sets. At night they can see through the windows, especially when the curtains are thin or not closed properly. It’s of great concern how many electrical appliances, like TVs, laptops, cellphones, etc., are stolen,” he said.

Rossouw also said Vosloorus SAPS urges the community to help them apprehend these criminals by giving information of where the stolen goods are taken or sold.

ALSO READ: 

Five tips to prevent a home invasion

He gave the following home safety tips that might help:

Fences or walls

• A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.

• The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.

• Ensure your gates are locked at all times and the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around.

• Install security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering all windows.

• Window bars, security doors, security gates, razor wire, additional locking devices on doors, strengthening of doors, peepholes in doors, safety chains to doors and an intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage prevent easy access.

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 means of a switch/panic button in the house is recommended.

• A few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.

• An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.

• Examples of alarm systems are mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types), improvised systems, threaded tins, threaded pieces of iron, gravel on window pains, pathways or around the home, obstacles that make a noise when moved, dogs, geese or ostriches.

Security lights

• Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.

• Day and night sensor lights are recommended.

• The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.

• Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.

Safety precautions

• Ensure 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 tools, such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc., that can be used in an attack are locked away when you do not use them.

• Vary your daily routine.

• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.

• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.

• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure 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.

• Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing. Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.

• 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. Do not employ casual workers without a reference. Keep copies of all your employees’ identity documents.

• Ensure you have a good relationship with your neighbours so 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 identifying 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 of the front or back door should be turned to avoid 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 backup:

• Telephone

• Cellular phone

• Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.

• Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.

Follow us on these social media platforms: