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Strengthened defences fight house robber scourge

29 June 2010

Dr Rudolph Zinn’s recently published book “Home Invasion” has brought awareness of the high incidence of house robbery in South Africa to the fore once more. The book is based on research done for his PhD, awarded by Unisa in 2008. “We all need to be reminded of the need to protect ourselves against this rising scourge, and this book does that,” said Peter Rawson, sales and marketing director of security barrier manufacturers, Trellidor.

One’s prime objective is to keep criminals out in the first place. If the home security measures we implement fail, however, it’s important to remember Dr Zinn’s findings, which showed that victims that co-operate are least likely to be shot.

Discouraging deterrents To keep criminals out, Trellidor recommends the following:

• Allow your dogs inside the house, particularly small yappy ones. They’re an early warning system plus criminals don’t like to draw attention to their activities.

• Leave no hiding places or access points in your garden. Clean up shrubbery; remove tree branches that could be used to get over fences; plant thorny shrubs around fences and windows.

• Install external sensor beams to alert you if someone is on the property.

• Secure external doors with expandable security gates. Surprisingly, the front door and garage door are the most common points of entry for criminals, probably because we don’t keep our security gates locked at all times.

• Secure all windows, even second storey ones, with burglar bars. A ladder or wheeled garbage bin left lying around is all a robber needs to gain access.

• Sliding glass patio doors are easy points of entry as they often have flimsy locks. Secure these with retractable security gates. When you’re home, the doors can be left open and the sliding gates locked closed to allow in fresh air and light.

• Get your security company to put their branded sign on your fence as a deterrent.

• If you arrive home and see something suspicious, don’t go in. Phone your security company from your mobile phone and ask them to meet you at the gate.

• Sadly, robbers often glean information about you and your home from domestic helpers, either willingly or unwillingly. Be careful about leaving personal information lying around; put valuables in a safety deposit box rather than a safe at home; don’t entrust anyone with a full set of house keys, remote controls and alarm codes.

• Be vigilant at all times. Make it a habit to lock security gates, windows, doors, garage doors, vehicles and driveway gates all the time so that you aren’t caught unawares.

“This last point is extremely important. Vigilance includes getting to know your immediate neighbours, joining your neighbourhood watch and finding out what is happening in your area in terms of crime. Knowledge is power and gives us some measure of control over our lives,” said Rawson.

Trellidor security consultants are trained to carry out free security assessments of homes and commercial buildings. Visit www.trellidor.co.za or telephone 0861 TRELLIDOR to find a Trellidor franchise near you.