Check before employing domestic staff
“You need to know that you can trust them with your property while you are away.”
THE people you employ to work in your house form a vital line of defence against crime.
This is according to Fidelity ADT security’s inland region general manager Agnieska Gryn, who warns homeowners to conduct background checks on potential employees.
“You need to know that you can trust them with your property while you are away,” she says.
Homeowners are encouraged to do the necessary research into anyone they allow onto their property or into their homes. Making sure the contract worker, cleaner, construction worker or builder is above board is essential.
Gryn says doing necessary background checks before hiring anyone might seem time consuming but makes all the difference to a homeowner’s security.
“Often in cases of break-ins and house robberies, inside information has been shared with criminals,” she says.
She says it is important to exercise caution when employing domestic workers, gardeners and contractors.
According to Gryn, the first step is to conduct a criminal record check. This is obtainable with the assistance of the police.
She also suggests reference checks with previous employers.
“Ask questions about dismissals, responsibilities, any security issues, punctuality and so on. Their answers will give you a good idea of the person’s track record. Alternatively, always work through a professional placement agency that will do these checks for you.”
Job placement agencies usually ensure the candidates have been screened and will often provide the necessary training, such as child-minding, CPR and housekeeping.
“Once you have made your decision, you need to ensure that anyone working for you understands your security protocols. They must know how to activate the alarm and to call for help in case of an emergency. Explain to them how they need to deal with an alarm activation, what to do when the security company calls and when an officer responds.”
Gryn also provides tips on how employees should respond when answering doorbell rings over the intercom:
*Ask the person to identify him/herself by full name.
*Ask them to state their business.
*Ask them to show identification – company ID card, ID book or driver’s licence – and verify by calling the homeowner to find out if they are expecting the person, or call the company the person works for to check if this is indeed a legitimate visit.
She urges homeowners to always consider enrolling employees into local crime prevention forums to keep them informed about security in and around the area.
