Safety and security during the festive season
The festive season is upon us, and it’s important that we remain vigilant when it comes to our personal safety and security. A special thank you to Rory Jardim for taking the time to put together this comprehensive list.
- Arm alarm system at night when asleep in the house. A “stay” option allows portions of the system to be armed. Burglars do tend to flee when an audible alarm goes off.
2. Alarm system needs to be checked regularly. When we have investigated complaints of poor response by a security company it was found that the alarm was not transmitting to the Control.
3. Where 1. is not possible, due to open plan houses or occupants sleeping on living room couches, etc. consider external beams to alert you of intruders. Despite the problems that external beams create they are recommended as a first line of security.
4. Electric fences are a deterrent but research has shown that criminals have little regard for them. An alarm coupled to the fence (in the house not the garage!) will alert occupants when the fence is breached.
5. Ensure that visitors to rental houses are informed as to how alarm systems work and where there are “panic” buttons. Possibly written instructions along with Emergency Numbers should be displayed in an appropriate place.
6. Where possible, garage motor vehicles to remove the temptation for theft of or theft from motor vehicles.
7. Burglaries that we have recorded in the past have often taken place after the house occupants have had a lovely outside braai with a few (too many) drinks. Criminals observe the behavior and wait till all in the house are dead asleep and then break in.
8. Where a house, in particular a holiday home, is occupied by a large number of people, ensure that somebody is responsible for locking up.
9. Dogs, especially small dogs kept inside, are a good deterrent.
10. “LIGHTS ON” initiative. The idea is that, should there be an intruder at your property, one would raise an alarm on Bazley Emergency WhatsApp. Other houses in your vicinity or across Bazley would switch on their lights indicating that people are up and about to encourage would be criminals to leave the area. DO NOT INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION YOURSELF WITHOUT EXTERNAL SUPPORT!!!
11. The Bazley Emergency WhatsApp, if used for emergencies, can be very effective. Bazley residents have expressed the desire to know when there is a situation developing even in the dead of night. Those wishing to not be disturbed can mute their cell phones at night.
12. Ensure gates and garage doors are closed / locked at all times. Open gates and garages draw unwanted attention.
