NEVER LEAVE IT UNLOCKED: Criminals scout their targeted area and will take advantage of any situation. Often people leave their car in the driveway unlocked with the engine running. The kitchen door is unlocked while the washing is being hung. Maintaining a good habit of locking up eliminates room for being attacked.
KEEP IT WELL-LIT: If a garden or yard has poorly-lit areas chances are your local criminals are aware of this. These spots are very inviting and dark areas are dangerous – anything could be lurking there.
CLEAR YOUR PROPERTY: No one wants to attract the wrong kind of attention. Scrap metal for example can attract the wrong kind of people. Clearing your property will prevent both invitations and hiding spots.
DON’T BE A TARGET: Inside jobs are common. Changing workers often will increase the risk of being targeted by frustrated and angry employees. Wherever possible, keep employer-employee relationships reasonable and for as long as possible. Workers, construction workers in particular, are no doubt aware of security weaknesses on the premises. Carelessness with gadgets like cell phones, digital cameras and jewellery results in temptation, particularly if workers are underpaid.
Be as un-inviting as possible. Lock up on time and use visible security measures as it helps demotivate criminals. Do not leave valuables exposed and eliminate dark areas around your premises.Clear all inviting junk like scrap metal and avoid tempting your workers.
Geoff Mauchaza is a graduate of Risk and Crisis Management from Japan’s Chiba Institute of Science.
