Tips for home safety

Margate SAPS warns residents against the dangers of going outside their homes to investigate possible housebreakings or noises they may hear, especially at night.

Criminals are never on holiday and will use all opportunities to commit crime.

Eight tips to keep your home safe at all times:

1. It is helpful to know all emergency numbers or keep a list that is easily accessible when needed. Keep your cellphone close to you.

2. Never leave keys in a gate or lock. The locks on outside doors should be changed when you move into a new home or after keys have been lost or stolen.

3. Make sure to have good lighting outside the home. Lights on during the day may indicate that the no one is home for a while.

Get a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home if you are away and to pick up mail left in the gate.

4. Curtains should be closed after dark to prevent suspects from observing you inside the home. Lights on outside will allow you to see what is happening on the outside if the lights remain off inside the home. Trim large shrubs to improve visibility.

5. Never leave workmen unattended in your home and be careful what is discussed in front of staff.

6. Do not open the door immediately when someone knocks. Make sure the person is expected. Educate your household including a domestic worker on persons pretending to be municipal workers, technicians or inspectors who need access to the property.

7. Keep a good watchdog which is an early warning system of danger. Report suspicious persons in your area to police or a security company. When employing someone, request their identity document and make a copy. Check references.

8. Draw up an emergency plan with your family and be involved in your community and any safety structures that may exist.

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