Expert festive season security tips for homeowners
Category Tips & Tricks
The festive season is a time of giving and receiving - and for burglars, it's a time of taking. During the December/January period, a sad reality is that home break-ins spike. While you're putting the final touches to your Christmas decor or vacation plans, also making your home secure should be a priority. Century 21 Krugersdorp spoke to local security experts about how to keep holiday hustlers at bay and ensure you have the most wonderful time of the year.
Meet our Krugersdorp security experts
- Johan Krogh is the General Manager of EPR Security. He is also the General Manager and National Chairperson of SAIDSA (South African Intruder Detection Services Association).
- Devon Thompson is the Director of Thompsons Security Group. The company is proactive in crime prevention, immediate in responsive reaction, and foremost in protection.
Home security tips for the holidays
1. Clear your view: You should ensure there is sufficient light around the perimeter of your home. Use your time off from work to clear away foliage at entrances such as the main gate and front door. These can potentially provide hiding spaces for criminals.
2. Prep your help: If you're going away, instruct your house-sitter or domestic worker not to open for anyone unless you, as the homeowner, have confirmed the validity of such visitor.
3. Arm yourself well: Seek the help of a SAIDSA-accredited security company regarding the options available in terms of electronic security systems such as perimeter alarms. Remember, not all perimeter alarms are suited for every home. An incorrect alarm system is equivalent to having no alarm at all. You should also test your alarm before you go out shopping or away for your vacation. Also, set any time switches for lighting to go on between 19h00 and 22h00. This is a deterrent to would-be criminals.
4. Assemble your team: Give your neighbour, family member, or a trustworthy person a remote or key for your gate so that they can inspect your premises on a daily basis. Be sure to inform members of your local community policing forum before you go on leave.
5. Be delivery smart: Do not open for strangers or unscheduled deliveries that you are not aware of. Your entrance gates should also not remain open for long periods of time. If you are expecting a delivery or collection, close the gate immediately after the vehicle has pulled in or left your premises.
6. Close and lock: If you are in your home, ensure that all security gates are locked, and only open windows with burglar bars in front of them. Similarly, ensure that security gates in front of open doors are locked while you are at home. Before leaving your home, you should shut open windows that can cause false alarms.
7. Push the button: Panic buttons can scare off intruders and alert your security team that you need help. Your family should know where they are located and have easy access to them at all times.
8. Mums the word: Burglars case houses and target those that are empty. You must cover up all signs you are on holiday. Cancel all printed media deliveries temporarily or ask a neighbour to pick them up for you while you are away.
9. Remove the temptation: Homes with obvious signs of luxury are more likely to be coveted by burglars. You should put away anything that might encourage a break-in. Electronics are the main focus of break-in criminals. If possible, move expensive electronics to a safe place prior to your departure. If you have received presents in boxes, don't leave the boxes or packaging outside your house.
10. Always stay alert: The holiday time is about fun and relaxation. However, you should always aim to be as vigilant as possible. When returning home, ensure you are not being followed and check your rear-view mirror. Do not answer your phone or look at messages while approaching your home or destination. Turn down the radio volume and open your window slightly so that you can listen to your surroundings. When feeling uncomfortable, drive to the nearest police station or place of safety.
Wrap up the year in good spirits
Century 21 Krugersdorp wishes you love, peace, and joy during the festive season. If you'd like to give yourself the gift of real estate, contact our SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ team. We have a number of beautiful properties for sale or to let.
Author: Century 21 South Africa
