Crime stats in Toti on the increase – how to improve your security
There are many ways to protect your family from intrusions - the easiest is to install an electric fence.
Amanzimtoti has seen an increase in crime statistics, particularly break-ins. Such is the opinion of local businessman Matt Cohen of Security Superstore. As the owner of this local security goods distributor and member of many security groups, he is well positioned to give advice on local security trends.
According to Matt, areas such as Athlone Park have been particularly badly hit. “As a result, we have seen a dramatic increase in the sales of electric fences and CCTV systems,” he says. “Without spreading fear or being dramatic – our best advice here is to look at ways of securing your home so that you are not a soft target.”
There are many ways to protect your family from such intrusions; the easiest is to install an electric fence. What does the average person know about an electric fence? Local company, Lutron was approached for some advice.
Jeron Naidoo (owner) says, “In essence, cheap is not always the best option, as criminals know what to look for and you are liable should someone get injured because of a poor fence install.”
“When you receive a quote to do an electric fence, there are several things to look out for. Ask the installer several basic questions to gauge his/her ability, before you just take the cheapest quote and pay for it later.”
There are two main pointers:
1. Insist on a certificate of compliance
2. Look at certain parts of the specification
Certificate of compliance
Should you wish to sell your house one day, you will need a certificate of compliance (COC) by a registered and certified official. This should be given to you after your initial install or after any additions to your fence.
Furthermore the law could hold you legally liable for any individual who touches your fence and is injured because of a poor install.
Typically an installer quotes on a COC – look for it on the quotation and make sure they give you one or you will pay later.
The following is a basic guide to getting a CoC:
1) All brackets need to be a maximum of 3m apart – If your fence has 2m spaces between the pillars, you will need to fit every 2m rather than every second one.
2) Surge arrestors need to be fitted per zone – make sure this is stipulated
3) The energizer must be in accordance with SANS regulations – use reputable brands and make sure it is new.
4) There must be earth spikes at 30m intervals and there must be three earth spikes for every energizer – make sure that these are separately listed and add up
5) Warning signs must be at most 10m apart – do the maths
6) High tension cable must be in conduit – look for it in your quote
Look at certain parts of the specification
It is human nature to take short cuts. There are many cheap ways of wiring a fence, but not all are compliant with regulations or even common sense. In some cases you will not even receive an alert if the fence is triggered because of certain bad habits that installers have picked up.
Beware of the following:
1. You live by the coast – rust is a problem
a. The correct metals must be used
b. Look for things such as Denso tape on the quote that prevent rust at the joints
2. How many strands are they running- six strands will always be cheaper than eight. We strongly recommend eight to 10 strands per fence
3. Grade of wire – we recommend 316 grade /steel wire from 1.2mm thickness upwards
4. What about stepping – Amanzimtoti is not flat like the Free State. Many houses are built on steep slopes. This means that you will require steps in the fence and additional strands if the stepping is severe
5. Series or parallel – parallel is cheaper but series is legal and more efficient.
6. Extras – ask about extras. Look for things such as sirens etc.
If in doubt… ask… A good installer will be able to answer basic technical questions.
* A little about Lutron – Lutron offers the design, installation and maintenance of high-end access control, electric and palisade fencing, gate automation, CCTV solutions, audio visual installations and satellite systems (DStv). The company has been actively involved in the Amanzimtoti community (and surrounds) for over 24 years. It was formed in 1995 and has continued to trade due to its loyal customer base. It has grown to become one of the premier suppliers in the region.
They can be contacted on 031 914 0440 or 082 572 7910 or marc@lutronsa.co.za
