Criminals using load-shedding for cover – experts
Ensuring things like gas bottles were safeguarded, having enough back-up alarm power and even installing solar lights are some of the ways Pretoria residents could keep their home safe during load-shedding.
Criminals are looking at new ways of breaking into homes to take advantage of load-shedding, experts have said.
JP Le Roux of security firm Monitor Net Security said criminals were now targeting items that can be stolen quickly and easily.
“People should safeguard things like gas cylinders. We advise people to ensure such items are difficult to get to and install solar lights,” he said.
Le Roux said criminals targeted dark houses during load-shedding and further advised residents to ensure their back security batteries operated as designed.
Security firm Fidelity CEO Wahl Bartmann advised residents to start looking at “a layered approach”.
Bartmann said the first layer was the outer perimeter of the home, which meant putting up an adequate fence to prevent unwanted guests or visitors.
“Security beams are also part of this outer perimeter security layer, but we advise against free-standing beams which are vulnerable to intentional or even accidental damage or interference.
Instead, we recommend that the beams be connected to the main building.”
He added that the next step was access control into the main building, which involved installing burglar bars with locks.
“Beware of cheaper brands. This also includes sliding- and slam-lock doors,” he said.
Bartmann said it was important that all family members, friends and colleagues knew how the systems worked and how to use them in an emergency.
He also advised anyone who fell victim to crime to report it to the local police.
“It doesn’t matter what the extent of the damage or loss was, or whether or not you plan to claim from insurance.
The SAPS can only build accurate crime trends information if they know exactly what is happening in a suburb or neighbourhood.
This also allows all of us in the security and law enforcement sector to better deploy our resources effectively to better protect homeowners and businesses from crime.”
He provided the following tips to best keep your home safe:
– Ensure your alarm is armed by using the stay, sleep or away modes.
– Install barrier security such as electric fence, beams, sensor lights, burglar bars and interior detection.
– Never leave your wheelie bin out overnight, as criminals not only use it to climb over fences, but also to transport stolen goods.
– Trim shrubbery and bushes in your yard so they cannot be used as a hiding spot for criminals.
– Ensure that your yard is well-lit.
– Lock tools and garden equipment away.
– Don’t let your stepladder be the means by which criminals get onto your balcony or roof.
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