Residents warned about spike in opportunistic crimes

Fidelity ADT residents to remain vigilant about home security following a recent spike in opportunistic crime.

“We have received reports of wall jumpers in the early hours of the morning between 01:00 to 03:00, jumping over walls and attempting to enter homes.

“At this point it is only attempted break-ins as criminals don’t have a chance to get into the property because the alarm system triggers when they break the doors,” explains Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.

“The best defence against burglars, opportunistic thieves or armed robbers is to make your property as unattractive to criminals as possible by implementing extra precautions to keep your belongings safe, inside and outside the home,” says Hattingh.

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“The perimeter of your property is probably one of the most important security barriers you must worry about. It is an intruder’s first point of access, so you need to ensure your perimeter is secure. Get physical barriers like barbed wire fencing installed. Always keep your security gates locked and ensure the keys are removed.

“Activate early-warning systems such as garden beams and/or electric fencing and ensure these are linked to armed response. Ensure that your gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket, which is locked at all, times. Make sure your alarm is working properly in all zones of the home,” adds Hattingh.

Get the whole family involved in security and ensure they know where the panic buttons are, speak to your security provider about getting remote panic buttons that are with you at all times.

“Tightening up small vulnerabilities can amount to a huge relief when it comes to home and personal security. Remain vigilant and do not leave anything to chance.”