Security Tips

General Security Tips

Few robberies take place on the spur of the moment. They are meticulously planned by monitoring the targeted property.
Be vigilant about who the strangers are that are walking and driving in your vicinity. Do you know your neighbours and do you have their telephone numbers? Chat in the street where eyes can see you.
The robbers watch your routine, as well as your domestic and gardener’s routines. They look at the demographics of the household, e.g. how many men, elderly people, single persons.
Change your routine as much as possible. Always be alert.
Robbers like breaking in while someone is at the property because then they gain access to valuables that are locked away. Parked cars in the driveway indicate the owners are at home.
When you are at home close your garage door and lock safety gates.
Most robbers make use of inside information (77% of information comes from employees or former employees) who know what there is to steal, where it is, and whether it is locked away or not.
Make sure your employees are screened and you have their details on record. This applies to the pool and garden services too. Even on site security services or any other people working at your house. How much does your domestic worker know? Do you know your neighbours domestic employees?
When employing outside workers or contractors insist on taking everyone on site’s photo and a copy of their ID. Tell the contractor his workers will not be allowed on site without.
Robbers plan their getaway in detail, it is as important as the crime (they do not want to be caught). Normally, they target houses which are close to an open space or have access to a main road or back route. There will be some sort of getaway vehicle to pick the robbers up.
Be vigilant and aware of strange vehicles in your area. Immediately report any suspicious vehicles or activity .
Educate your domestic employee regarding access to your property when you are out. Let them know you will always tell them in advance if anyone is to be allowed entry. If they are in doubt they should phone you first.
Do not leave keys hanging in doors or on hooks next to the doors – this is easy access for a robber.
Robbers usually work in three’s and are armed. The houses are not “marked” but the robbers use cell cameras, SMS and Google Earth. They blend in by walking in the areas and driving around and watching houses after hours.
Keep the curtains or blinds closed at night and again be vigilant about strangers in the area.
Arm your alarm at night. Get it programmed by you service provider to enable you to move to the loo etc at night but you entrance area and surrounds are activated. If possible fit beam outside tour house. Stay away from passive beams, use active beams instead which are point to point and need to be broken. This can be problematic if you have large dogs.
Chronological order of deterrents to robbers: dogs, electric fences, fences, burglar bars, security lights, CCTV, beams, alarm systems.
Light is one of the best deterrents. Put in motion sensing lights around your house.
Integrate these systems and it will put robbers off from making your home a target. Do you respond to your dogs barking? Dogs have different tones for different things – listen to your dog .
The trend for robberies is that they are more active from a Wednesday to Thursday, as it means easy cash for the weekends. 57% take place between 7pm and 12 am and 14% between 12 am and 7pm. This is not a hard and fast rule, just a trend.
If you are armed and decide to shoot someone, DO NOT shoot them in the back. You or your family need to be threatened and in danger.
Be aware and take precautions!

Electronic Gates / Garages

Most garages have place for a padlock, if not then install one and whether you are home or out, padlock your Garage either from outside or inside, so if these characters drive around and do happen to have a remote that would open your garage, it will not happen.
If you have electronic gates, make sure that the gates have an additional piece welded at the top to prevent derailing the gate and potential access and get your gate motors bolted to the ground or cage them.