Vosloorus SAPS issues home safety tips

The festive season is at hand and crime is likely to increase. Capt Piet Rossouw, communications officer at Vosloorus Police Station, shares some tips on how to keep your home safe during this period of time.

Fences/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 that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around.

*Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering 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 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.

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 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.

*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 can be used in an attack, are locked away when you’re not using 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 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, for example 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, such as the 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 the prevention of crime.

*Do not employ casual workers without a reference.

*Keep copies of all your employees IDs (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 onto your premises or into 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 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 back-up purposes: telephone and cellular phone.

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

*Inform your children not to indicate that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.

SAPS CRIME STOP: 08600 10111

SAPS EMERGENCY LINE: 10111

SAPS Vosloorus: 011 724 1004/5