Burglar proof your roof

Nowadays, there are endless reasons to tighten up the security of your home and business. Alarm and surveillance systems, security film on windows, electric fences, burglar guards and even employing security guards have become the norm.

SAPS Corporate Communications Liaison and Marketing officer, Lizzy Arumugam said one vulnerable point of entry forgotten by commercial and apartment building managers, is the roof.

“There have been several reports describing instances of theft where burglars have entered through the roof hatch, or just simply cut a hole in the roof and slipped in, and rooftop robberies are unfortunately happening more often,” she said.

Some precautions you can take to minimise illegal entry through a roof:

– When was the last time you used your roof hatch?

If you can barely remember, it’s time for an inspection. Make sure the hinges, gas spring cylinders and handles are all intact. If your hatch is old or damaged, consider replacing it with one made of heavy-gauge materials and tamper-proof hardware.

Not only will a secure roof access hatch protect you against a burglary, it will also protect employees and tenants from injury on the roof.

– If you have a locking handle, that’s a good start. There is likely a hole in the handle mechanism and all you have to do is put a karabiner clip or padlock through it. Most standard roof access hatches come with lock hasps on the interior and exterior as a security feature.

– You can go a step further and add locks to the gas cylinders or lift assistance arm as well. This will prevent thieves from entering, even if they get through the first lock. Contact switches can also be applied and wired to your building’s alarm system.

Mounting motion sensing lights and security cameras to your roof can prevent burglaries. Of course, with cameras you’ll need to have someone watching what’s being recorded if you want to deter thieves.