Alarm systems especially can be severely affected by load-shedding. While the power is off the system’s battery drains which can cause systems to be inactive during the evening or when residents are away. When a battery continuously drains completely, it also shortens the battery life. Residents are encouraged to get a higher voltage battery with a minimum of 12 volts.
Outside beams are also important as they act as an early warning system, resulting in burglars running away before they can do much damage. “It is better if your security company is warned before the criminal gets into your house as it gives them a better chance of apprehending the criminal before damage is done,” a security company’s official stated.
Other security measures that should be implemented, are sufficient lighting, especially time-activated lights and motion-activated lights. The former can make it seem like there is movement on the property, while the latter can give criminals a fright and expose them. To avoid your pets activating the lights, place them away from the areas where your dogs sleep or prowl.
Sliding doors are a frequent and easy entry point. Security companies recommend that the chain sliding lock between the door and the frame should be installed on the side of the normal lock and a sturdy deadlock at the bottom of the door. To prevent the door from being lifted from its bottom sliding rail, install platelets with screws or pop rivets into the frame above the door to close the gap burglars exploit.
As they are mostly interested in electronic equipment like cellphones, laptops, flat-screen TVs, cameras and smaller items like wallets, purses and bags, these should not be visible from the outside. Residents should keep these items out of sight, especially at night and lock the flat-screen TV in a neat and sturdy steel frame bolted into the wall.
Make sure all tools and equipment like chairs, ladders and boxes that can be used in a burglary are securely locked away.
A barking dog is always a good deterrent. Just make sure to teach them not to accept food from strangers, as burglars hide poison in food to incapacitate animals. You should always take care when your pet is behaving strangely or barking excessively. Security companies advise residents to rather phone the police or their security company than investigating on their own.
Residents can also decrease hiding or lookout spots for criminals by regularly trimming brush and bush, as well as tree branches that they can climb to gain access to the property. Shrubs with thorns can also be used as an inexpensive deterrent.
Residents should also frequently change their routine and routes to and from home and work as burglars watch a house for up to two weeks before a break-in.
