‘Love thy neighbour’ can save your life in the long run
WILGEHEUWEL — Getting to know the people next door can help turn your community into a crime-free zone.
Establishing a healthy and solid relationship with our neighbours and community members can be vital to your security and that of your home.
Your neighbours are often the first to notice something amiss on your property.
This according to Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT.
“There are many examples of successful crime prevention in suburbs where residents are actively involved in their communities. By being familiar with the surroundings of the neighbourhood and knowing your neighbours’ domestic staff, it is easier to notice suspicious people.”
Knowing what happens in your community and who lives there can impact on the fight against crime. The combined security implementation can positively impact your area than individual efforts.
Humphreys offered some points to touch on when discussing ways to keep your family safe:
- Start by exchanging cellphone numbers so that you are able to contact each other when necessary.
- Agree to keep an eye on one another’s properties and to contact the other about suspicious people or when something appears out of place.
- If either or both of you travel often or take regular holidays, talk about doing small chores for each other while you are away. This includes removing mail from the post-box on a daily basis and switching on inside and outdoor lights so that your home does not appear unoccupied.
He added “when neighbours start sharing security tips and reporting suspicious individuals or vehicles spotted in their area, security providers and the SAPS are able to get a better understanding of the activity in the area and implement effective crime prevention tactics.”
It is also very important to introduce your children to your neighbours. You can for instance agree to keep an eye on each other’s children when they are playing in the garden. And, teach your children to go over to one of your neighbours if they are home alone and feel unsafe.
Another good idea is to write the contact details of at least one or two of your neighbours on your list of emergency services numbers and keep this near your telephone. In the event that something happens to you or a loved one in your home, a neighbour will be able to assist you until emergency services arrive.
Details: 082 121 2400
