Is your home secure this winter?
Reviewing your winter security routines play a key role in ensuring your homes and memories remain safe even during the unpleasant chill.
MOST people want nothing more than to be indoors and cosy after nightfall in the breezy Zululand winter.
Shorter days and longer nights, however, provide the cover criminals need to break into houses undetected, or wait in the shadows for residents to arrive home, says ADT Security’s Empangeni/Richards Bay branch manager, Les Rungasamy.
‘Most of us don’t favour nocturnal outings in winter … criminals do. It’s important for residents to be extra vigilant and perhaps reassess their security routines in winter.’
The early onset of darkness in winter is however just one factor that contributes to an increase in criminal activity, says Rungasmay.
Crime levels can sometimes increase in winter because:
Residents often keep animals indoors, out of the cold, and as a result don’t set their home alarm systems at night. With dogs indoors, there’s also no early-warning for residents should criminals enter the property.
The risk of load shedding is much higher during winter. This impacts directly on lighting, electrical gate motors and security systems, especially if the necessary back up power is not in place.
Vehicles that are left idling and unattended while the owner waits for the car to warm up. Criminals are on the lookout for this. Never leave a vehicle unlocked or running unattended. Lawbreakers can easily take this to their advantage.
Avoid being a potential victim of criminal activity by follow these security tips:
- Leave outside lights on if you know you’re going to get home after dark.
- Petition alarms so that external beams can be set early in the evening, just after you get home.
- Check the tensioning of electric fencing as it shrinks in colder weather. This can cause false alarms.
- Link smoke detectors to your alarm system. Fires during winter can be caused by heaters, electrical appliances and the cosy fireplace left burning when you go to bed.
- Be extra vigilant when moving in and out of your home. If you notice anything suspicious, alert your security company or the SAPS immediately.
Follow ADT on their Facebook page and learn more about how they can keep your memories safe. Alternatively, email Les Rungasamy on nrungasamy@adt.co.za
