Is your Home Secure?

It's no secret that crime is still a major issue in South Africa and is invading what once were considered "safe communities."  Crime against property occurs on the average of 20 times a minute with an estimated R10,000 loss for each occurrence. Burglary is a crime of opportunity where entry is gained due to the carelessness of homeowners.

Single family homes are twice as likely to be burglarized than apartments. While receiving a lot of publicity when it happens, hotels and motels account for less than 3% of all burglaries. The most likely things to be stolen in a burglary are cash, small electronic equipment, home computers, cameras, jewelry, furs, tools and hand guns.

Few people really bother about security until something happens to them or a neighbor. The public's complacent attitude is the burglar's best friend and your worst enemy. There are many things the average person can do to make their home less of a target. This report will get you started on the right road. Remember, the two things a burglar fears most are being seen and having to take too much time to complete the crime.

While burglars typically "target" a home when no one is home, if you surprise one in the act, your chances of being injured are too high to attempt to intervene. A sobering statistic shows many homeowners attempting to defend (themselves, family members, or their property) with a weapon end up having it turned on themselves.

PUT YOURSELF IN A BURGLAR'S SHOES
One thing every homeowner should do at least twice a year is take a walk around and through your property with a close friend or neighbor who is not too familiar with your house. Start outside and ask yourself "how would I best break in? The purpose of not doing it alone is your pal may spot things you'll overlook. Return the favor and complete a survey for your friend.
Besides the obvious "lived-in" look, don't get into a habit of only doing certain things only when you're not home. Chances are good you can tell when your neighbor isn't home. Remember it's a burglar's job to know the same things. Most professional criminals can tell nobody's home at least four or five houses away.
Several dead giveaways are always closing the drapes ONLY when you're not home. Having no garbage cans out collection day, or an empty can sitting at the curb, are tip-offs you're not home. So are closing up the house as tight as a drum in the hot summer months without the air-conditioner running. Turning on a certain light or two and every other room is in total darkness. Ditto for picking up all the kid's toys, taking in the dog, shutting the garage door if you frequently leave it open, and turning off the lawn sprinkler.
Many people before leaving turn on the "burglar light, " the light over the kitchen sink. You might as well hang a sign on the front door you're not home! If you use an answering machine never leave a message that you're not home. Instead say you can't come to the phone right now. If you don't have a machine, turn down the volume on phones before leaving so it can't be heard from outside - another dead giveaway nobody's home.

EFFECTIVE BURGLAR DETERRENTS
You've probably heard it several times and it's true! A dog is one of the best deterrents. Not because it's vicious, it need not even be seen, but it has to be heard. A dog with a menacing bark will scare away a lot of would-be burglars, not only because they don't know what kind of dog you have and what risk it would be to them if try tried to break in, but more likely because a noisy dog will create a disturbance and get attention - the last thing a burglar wants!
If you don't have a dog there's nothing stopping you from pretending. A Beware of Dog sign on your fence, a dog house in the back yard, even a loose dog chain or bowl can drive away a potential burglar.

Electronic devices that are effective besides the typical whole house alarm systems for windows and doors are infrared or motion detectors that sense movement or the heat given off by one's body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the air with a deafening sound without notice.

Just like a barking dog, the would-be burglar will usually hightail it out of there for fear of being discovered.
To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors.

How to avoid driveway hijacking

 

How to avoid driveway hijacking

 

 

 

Modus Operandi used by the hijackers:

• Most hijackings take place in the driveways of residential areas. These hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes.

If we understand and keep this modus operandi in mind, we can also change our driving behaviour to avoid becoming an easy target. We would like to discuss three of the situations where vehicle owners can act with increased caution.

How to avoid a hijacking situation:

Approaching and entering your driveway:

• 2km from your house strategy. Be extra alert. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. If you have noticed any vehicle behind you, use the techniques you have learned during the hijack prevention & survival course to determine whether you are being followed.
• Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
• Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
• Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
• Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
• Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
• Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
• Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
• Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
• If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition and close the door. Then open the gate.
• If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
• If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should a hijack occur.

Parking your vehicle:

• Check rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
• Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles / persons. This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.

Ensure exterior lighting is installed and that the exterior of the house is well lit, it is also worth considering demand lighting which is activated by a motion detector

Try to reduce any bushes or obstructions in the vicinity of your driveway as these act as good hiding places.

Ensure Chubb's emergency number is programmed into your telephone's speed dial and that your entire family know the number.Keep you panic button with you at all times! A Free Alarms consultant will gladly come to your home and access your situation. 

The Best Guard Dogs

A family pet can add more value to your family than companionship for the children. A well trained guard dog can add a new level of security to your household.  

Basically any dog can be a watchdog, that includes those silly little dogs celebrities carries around in their handbags. But all they can do is alert their owners of danger with their persistent ear piercing barks. A guard dog, on the other hand, can be trained to restrain or attack any unwelcome visitor to your home. 

If you are serious about your security here is a few of the best guard dogs available in South Africa.

Doberman 

The Doberman’s frequent use as a military, search and rescue, police and guard dog all over the world speaks volumes about this great and versatile breed. This medium to large, squarely built dog is highly athletic and one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. Doberman’s are ranked as the 5th most intelligent dog in the category of obedience command training. Dobermans have an unfair reputation of being stereotyped as unmanageable and overly aggressive. They are extremely loyal to their family. As a personal protection dog they are fearless and capable guardians and sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on the command of their owner.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is an ancient dog breed which originated in Germany and was originally used as herd guards and protection dogs. This is a medium / large breed with compact and powerful body, a broad deep chest and muscular neck. Rottweilers have a fearless and self assured nature. They have generally good temperament if raised by a firm owner. Their credentials as a guard dog are great because of a natural desire to protect family and home. It is an intelligent dog of extreme adaptability and hardiness with a strong willingness to work, making them especially suited as a guardian and companion. The exceptional strength of the Rottweiler makes it a menacing appearance to any intruder.

German Shephard (Alsatian)

German Shephards are one the most recognizable and popular dog breeds in the world. This agile, large and powerful dog is also ranked highly in intelligence and is widely used in police and military roles. German Shephard’s are known for their intelligence. Their protective nature, high trainability factor and physical strength make them a highly recommended guard dog.

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a large and ferocious looking dog of English origin. Their physical power combined with natural guardian instincts are great for families as these dogs can alternate between a capable protector and playful pet.

Boerboel (South African Mastiff)

The Boerboel is a large and powerful dog of South African origin specifically bred as a guard dog. Boerbels have a have strong territorial instinct and due to their calm and confident nature they remain the guard dog of choice for many African farmers. Boerbels are a powerful and headstrong breed and require obedience training from a young age. This breed is highly recommended for strong and dominant owners.

Alarms systems that a specially designed for a household with animals are available from Free Alarms.  The sensors are set in such a way that your dog won’t trigger a false alarm. Modifications can also be made to your current system.

Source: www.dogbreed4u.com

How to Avoid Triggering a False Alarm

When it comes to home security you don’t want to become the boy that cried wolf.  If your alarm goes off regularly the police and neighbours will no longer consider it a priority.  You also don’t want to be the annoying neighbour whose alarm system keeps up half the neighbourhood at inappropriate times. 

1.    Set up an alarm system maintenance and upgrades schedule. Like all electronic devices alarm systems need to be updated to work at its optimal potential. Replace all batteries every three months.

2.    Include the cleaning the alarm equipment in your house cleaning routine. Lint and dust can clog the motion sensors which can cause them to go off at inapt times.

3.    Pets are one of the main causes of false alarms. Install pet friendly sensors and keep your pets away from problem areas if possible.

4.    Keep windows and doors locked as most alarm sensors are connected to entrance ways.

5.    Study up on the interworking of your alarm system. Know how to cancel the false alarm and how to set it up again afterwards.

6.    When away let the house sitter know about all the quirks of the house and system.

7.    If you are changing anything in the home your contact your security provider, Free Alarms, like if you are planning a remodelling project that will affect the system’s operation. 

8.    Involve the whole household when installing the system. If everyone is informed decreases the likelihood of simple mistakes such as leaving windows and doors open.

Ideally an alarm system is a subtle presence that will protect your household. By following these simple tips it will be.

Shed a light on crime

 

When used strategically, the lighting fixtures in and around your house can be valuable part of your home security.  Electricity bill aside, lighting is also a relatively affordable

Outdoor

Outdoor lighting combined with sensitive motion sensors provides a sense of security, especially with a home that has numerous dark corners. Place the lights and motion sensors near doors and windows which will most likely be targeted by the burglar.

Strive to maintain an aesthetic quality when planning the lights. If the lights are to sharp or placed at the wrong angles it may prove to be bothersome to neighbors and even members of your own household. The lighting can also have the dual function of accentuating your garden.

Burglar Beacon

When out for the evening, most leave a single light on as an added security measure and in some cases as the only security measure.  A single light can literally become a beacon for burglars who have become the wiser.  It is better to leave multiple lights on around the house along with a radio of TV.

Successful burglars are those who can move around without being seen. Just by flipping on the light switch you are already on the way of creating a safe home for your family.

Strategies used by Pickpokets

pick·pock·et 
n. One who steals from pockets.

Pickpockets are petty criminals with a quick slide of hand. While they are usually not dangerous or violent one should always be aware.

Thief.org.uk recognised these four strategies used by pickpocket thieves:  

1. Fighting: where a resulting argument can occur, groups of people will naturally begin to interact and move around each other to avoid the actual fight. In the resulting confusion, pickpockets can avail themselves of your wallet, handbag or purse.

2. The helpful member of public: if you ever witness a person who loudly shouts ‘be careful of the pickpockets’ or similar phrase, they may be attempting to incite you or others to instinctively reach for their money or valuables. By doing so, easily and simply alerts pickpockets in the area to the exact location of your items.

3. Accidents: the resulting confusion which can stem from an accident which is caused by another can be all the time a thief needs to steal from you. A slipped foot or dropped possession in a crowded area are all that’s required to cause an instant episode of uncertainty in the area, leaving you a potential mark.

4. The apology: this classic is still very effectively used by the pickpocket and involves a speedy interaction where a collision on your person is planned. Performed either by way of a knock, bump, spill of food and drink or similar, the thief apologises, and then rapidly disappears with your possessions in hand.

It Takes A Thief....to give expert security advice

 

“You lock every door and window in your house. But they know every trick in the book. Two expert thieves size up, break into and rip off real homes. And unless you know how they get in, you don't have a chance of keeping them out.”

It Takes a Thief  is an alternative reality show produced by the Discovery Channel that ran for two seasons. The show is a fly-on-the-wall view into the inner workings of a burglary. The security of residential homes is tested with a fully-fledged burglary. This gives home owners invaluable insights into the security threats in their property.  It Takes a Thief  is hosted by two former convicted thieves, Matt Johnston and Jon Douglas Rainey. 

Who better to give advice on security than someone whose “job” was to breach it? Here are a few tips by Rainey and Johnston on security alarms:

• Homes without a home-security/alarm system have a significantly higher break-in rate, so invest in an alarm system to protect your home ... and use it. Most of us ignore the sirens of car and house alarms because they go off regularly, so make sure your house alarm is connected to the police and a central station to ensure someone will respond.
• When you connect your alarm system to a monitoring station, make sure you have a back-up cellular connection in case your phone service is disrupted.
•  If you move into a house with an old alarm system contact the provider to inquire about an upgrade.
•  Consider a security system equipped with ultrasonic sensors that can detect movement inside your home, not just breaches of your doors and windows. Certain alarm systems allow your home to have separate zones so specific areas can always stay armed. Also, a panic button can be hooked up to your alarm system's central server for added protection inside your home.
•  Less expensive security options include motion sensors, sound detectors and photocells, all of which can be used to turn on lights when triggered. Especially if you live in a hidden or dark area, motion sensors on outdoor lights are an easy and inexpensive deterrent for any possible intruders on your property at night.
• Individual window alarms, which are activated by vibration, can also discourage thieves. If you have an alarm system, make sure all your windows either have contacts on them or you have glass-break sensors in the rooms.
•  A thief may try to dismantle your alarm system, so make sure the system's central panel is in a secure spot. In addition, since construction or wildlife can disrupt outside wiring, have your system tested regularly.
•  A barking dog — even a small one — will deter most burglars. The noise draws attention, which is the last thing burglars want. However, dogs are never a proper deterrent. They only become scared like humans if strangers become threatening. It's not fair to your pup to rely on its canine bravado.
•  Reflective numbers outside on the front of your home will make it easy for police and ambulances to find your house in case of emergency.