Home safety is really important and with this in mind, Newcastle SAPS have issued a number of helpful tips so that residents can be more secure in their homes. Safety precautions include fences, walls, taking photos of all employees, and installing an alarm system.

Safety precautions

• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home
• If you leave your residence, inform your family/neighbours of your intended destination and time you expect to return, as well as the route you will be driving, especially if you live in a rural area
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights
• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position
• Contact your neighbours to assist you in securing your home
• Involve employees, as they are a part of the team / family. They must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing

Take photographs of all employees

It could be to your advantage to identify all the people who work for you, if you later need to provide a description to police. Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contributes to the prevention of crime. Do not employ casual workers without a reference, and always keep copies of all your employees’ ID cards

Alarm systems

An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent against break-ins. In a rural environment, it is a good idea to have a siren or alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch or panic button in the house.  A few switches or panic buttons in different rooms of the house should be installed. An alarm warns the occupants of any intrusion into the house.

Examples of alarm systems

• • Mechanical and / or electrical
  • Threaded tins
  • Threaded pieces of iron
  • Gravel on window panes, pathways or around the home
  • Obstacles that make a noise when moved
  • Biological systems such as dogs, geese or ostriches

Fences/walls

A high fence around the house, with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall – due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides. The primary aim of the fence is to make access or intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house. Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled. Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

Devices that prevent easy access

• Window bars
• Security doors and gates
• Razor wire
• Additional locking devices on doors
• Strengthening of doors
• Peepholes in doors
• Safety chains on doors
• Intercom systems between the home and gate, front door or garage

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