The definitive guide to securing your home and family
A high fence is better than a high wall.
A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall due to the improved visibility it provides, said Roodepoort Police in a detailed guide to home security.
The primary aim of the fence is to make access/ intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
Other tips in the guide include the following:
• Ensure that your gates are locked at all times. The keys should not lie around or be easily accessible.
• Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.
The following prevent easy access:
• Window bars
• Security doors
• Security gates
• Razor wire
• Additional locking devices on doors
• Strengthened doors
• Peepholes in the doors
• Safety chains to doors
• Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage
Alarm systems
• An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
• In the rural environment a siren/ alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance that can be activated by means of a switch/ panic button in the house is recommended.
• A few switches/ panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.
• An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.
Examples of alarm systems:
• Mechanical and/ or electric (purchased types)
• Improvised systems
• Threaded tins
• Threaded pieces of iron
• Gravel on window pains, pathways or around the home
• Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
Biological systems:
• Dogs
• Geese
• Ostriches
Security lights
• Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.
• The lights must be directed away from the house and allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from the outside.
• Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.
Safety precautions
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
• If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return
and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights. Remain awake for a while.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Always keep a flashlight nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/ a visit, e.g. your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home. Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e. the bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
• The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
• Involve employees as they are part of the family /team. Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to the police.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
• Take photographs of all employees. It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
• Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep copies of all your employees’ Identity Documents.
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help
each other.
Access and key control
• Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identified the person, especially at night.
• Implement proper key control measures.
• Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/ door access can be gained.
• Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.
• Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
• Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to prevent easy removal.
• Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.
• Change locks when keys are lost.
• Insert barring devices in door locks.
• Remove keys from doors when leaving.
Communication
• There should be two systems for alternative backup:
* Telephone
* Cellphone
• Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
• Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.
Do the following to ensure safety and security in remote areas:
• Know your neighbours and maintain good relations with them.
• Know which security services and community-based crime-prevention initiatives are available in your area, and know how to reach them in case of an emergency.
• Have the contact details of the security companies, community-based watches, emergency services and the police station readily available.
• Have alternative means of communication in case the telephone lines and cellphones are not working.
• Become part of the crime-prevention programmes initiated by the police and the community.
• Have sound relationships with all role players involved, and know who to contact in case of an emergency.
• Consider establishing a neighbourhood watch in your area, or become involved in the existing neighbourhood watch.
• Participate in simulation exercises with the police to test the effectiveness of the response to incidents.
• Maintain sound safety measures and habits at home, and inform your neighbours, the police and the community-based
watches of any suspicious behaviour and activities in your area.
• Ensure that all doors (including security and garage doors), are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are inside or not at home.
• Keep a register with the details of all persons on the premises, including workers, and do not allow unnecessary access to the premises.
• Regularly clear the area around your house of bushes. Clean the premises and all possible hiding places. Lock away all tools and implements.
• Be vigilant and ensure that all persons on the premises, including workers and visitors, are also vigilant and know what to do in case of suspicious behaviour and/ or in an emergency.
• Do not react blindly to any suspicious activities, especially at night.
• Do not keep a large sum of cash and/ or valuables on the premises.
• Ensure additional safety measures if you are selling any products from the premises.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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