Improve your home security with cost efficient advice from Ballito Neighbourhood Watch

Although crime is an ever-present concern for South Africans, there are ways to reduce risk when securing your home.

Top security systems include cameras, electric fencing and a functional alarm system which includes beams.

But not everyone can afford that level of system, so the Courier spoke to Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) chairman, Morne Steffens, about some lower cost, common sense security measures.

“The first thing to do is to ensure your house is well lit at night. You cannot always rely on streetlights to light the road and your house should not be in complete darkness.”

Floodlights can be a relatively low-cost measure and are a strong deterrent for criminals, particularly in communities where there are often security companies patrolling.

By the same token, maintaining a clear, well-kept area outside your home is an easy security step.

“If your house has been targeted and criminals are going to try and get in, do not make it easy for them to hide by providing unkempt bushes right outside your door.”

This is also an increased concern for houses that are close to open areas or natural bush where criminals can disappear quickly. Although Ballito is seen as a safe community, this is no reason to become lazy with your security measures, said Steffens.

“A lot of things are just common sense. Always close your garage and park inside if there is space, lock your doors and arm your alarm system if you have one.”

Many cases of break-ins and car thefts are simply a result of poor security planning and avoidable risks on the part of the victim, he said.

Recently, an increase in car thefts has hit Salt Rock and to a lesser extent, Ballito.

“In a few cases, criminals have gained access to the house and just grabbed keys from a hook or bowl. Assume your house is not crime proof and keep car keys hidden from sight.”

Finally, with a thriving holiday community, homes are often let out over festive periods to tourists who might not be as worried about security as the homeowner.

Whether it be a party atmosphere where someone forgets to set the alarm, or an inadequate explanation from the homeowner, these holiday properties are at increased risk.

“Criminals are aware of which houses are let out. People staying there need to be twice as careful because they can be easy targets.”