Fortress of solitude or inviting safe haven?
In an effort to avoid becoming a victim of crime, South African homeowners are increasingly living in what almost resemble fortresses, complete with all the modern conveniences of access control, closed-circuit camera surveillance and electrified fencing. Is this overkill? Or due diligence? Can you secure your home without making it feel like a prison?
Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Attractive barriers
Today fences aren’t the ugly things they used to be. There is a range of anti-climb, see-through barriers available on the market which do the job of a wall in keeping people out of your garden and homestead while not destroying the visibility of the outer world. One of these is a high-density mesh-type of fencing which is available to both the residential and commercial customers who seek such a solution.
While the privacy of a wall is attractive to many, from a security point of view, being able to see through the fence surrounding your home means private security patrol, neighbourhood watch and vigilant neighbours can see into your property meaning those who shouldn’t be in there don’t have the benefit of their nefarious deeds being unseen.
Another, less see-through but still aesthetically attractive home boundary option, is a fence with a creeping vine growing on it, although that would tend to allow purchase for anyone seeking to climb the fence, so the benefit of security needs to be weighed up against aesthetics.
Hedges are also popular but tend to block views. Consider instead a small hedge for privacy with a steel fence giving the height and security needed, the best of both worlds.
Clear burglar guards
If you don’t want to have to see the bars on your windows, consider the range of clear burglar guards available today from a variety of suppliers.
Made from transparent polycarbonate sheets with a special UV protection and impact resistant qualities they offer similar protection to standard steel burglar guards and can be fitted with both wooden and aluminium windows.
Be sure to get the best quality and have them installed professionally. If installed correctly, they will even keep wildlife pests like monkeys out, allowing you to keep your windows open knowing your kitchen won’t be ransacked by the troop.
Technology to set you free
Access control far from keeping you feeling trapped can give you freedom of access for entering and leaving your home. Radio frequency ID tags can be used which allow gates or doors to automatically open using proximity sensors. Some high tech cat flaps work this way too, allowing your pet to gain access to your home through a tag on their collar but keeping out strays.
Remote controls have long been a boon for people not wanting to handle gates or garage doors, and they allow you to get into your yard or garage safely from the road.
There are even apps which can use your mobile phone to allow you access using an identifying code or password. Speak to your security expert to see what would best suit your needs and budget.
