Fences/Walls
- A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.
- The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
- Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
- Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.
The following devices prevent easy access:
- Window bars
- Security doors
- Security gates
- Razor wire
- Additional locking devices on doors
- Strengthening of 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 and 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 electrical (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 must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from 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 torch 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, eg 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, ie: 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 South African Police Service.
- 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 (ID’s).
- 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 identifying 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 avoid 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 back up:
Telephone
Cellular phone
Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
Also view:
Safely Securing your Home for the Holidays
