Home Security Tips

General Information

• Ensure all important documents are photocopied, authenticated and securely locked away (i.e. ID’s, weapon licenses, marriage certificates etc.).
• Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks – if keys to these doors are lost, the locks are to be replaced without delay.
• Avoid using lever locks for external doors, rather use cylinder locks or cylinder deadlocks.
• Fit suitable “spacers”, locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks.
• Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks and catches.
• Fit preferably a wrought iron gate, or an expanding grill gate over the front door.
• Ensure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use.
• Install a safe for weapons and valuables.
• Keep the garage door and garden shed locked when not in use.
• Invest in a dog. Not only will a dog provide early warning, but it could be a deterrent to would be intruders.
• Install outside lights which can be remotely controlled from inside the house and via the burglar alarm system.
• Mark household goods such as TV’s, radio’s, recorders, videos, camera’s and other attractive items with an ultra violet pen or engrave so that they can be identified when found.
• Keep record of the serial numbers of all valuable equipment.
• Install a second telephone in the main bedroom.
• Try not to have high walls and tall hedges which obscure your view of the property.
• Reduce heavy foliage near the garage entrance and front door.
• Install a burglar alarm system and contract for armed response.
• Remove all identification from key rings in case the keys are lost.
• Have fire extinguishers of the appropriate type positioned about your home.

When at Home

• Always lock perimeter doors and close windows that are far away from where the family activity is centered.
• At night always lock perimeter doors and securely fasten windows.
• Do not go outside alone to investigate at night.
• Do not open perimeter door without satisfactorily identifying the visitor.
• Never admit to a stranger that you are alone.
• If a repair person is expected, do not allow entry unless identity has been checked.
• Do not issue the key(s) of your home to a domestic servant.
• Do not employ domestic servants unless you have checked their credentials and references.
• Do not allow strangers into your home to make telephone calls.
• If you note suspicious vehicles, individuals or groups in your neighborhood, make a telephone report to the SAPS or armed response company.
• Lock your vehicle when it is parked in your driveway and not occupied and remove attractive items.
• If annoying or obscene telephone calls are received the best method of dealing with them is to simply hang up.  Do not give the caller satisfaction by protesting or commenting.  After a few repeat calls the caller will probable lose interest.
• If calls persist you should report the situation to the police and arrange to change your telephone number.

Making Emergency Calls to 10111 or Armed Response

• Always give your name and address.
• Give the telephone number and full address from which you are calling.
• Tell the controller why you called.
• Any questions that are posed by the controller should be answered as briefly and fully as possible.
• Do not hang up until you are told to do so by the controller.

Before Going Away for a Lengthy Period

• Remember to cancel all routine deliveries.
• Arrange for your neighbor to collect any other mail.
• Program your answering machine appropriately.  Do not program your machine to state that you are away from the house!!
• Switch off your geysers and water supply to the geysers as well as electrical circuits that will not be needed while away.
• Lock the garden gates, doors and windows of sheds and outbuildings.
• Fit time switches to exterior lights so that it can switch on and off.
• Disconnect batteries of vehicles not utilized and stationary in the garage.
• Make adequate arrangements for your pets.
• Tidy your garden so that it looks tended and make arrangements to have it maintained and watered while you are away.

When You Leave Home Daily

• Do not leave notes on the door, underneath the door mat or in the post box to indicate that you are away.
• Do not leave hidden keys.
• Leave your house key with a trusted neighbor or the key holder as registered with the alarm monitoring company, so that access can be gained in emergency such as a fire.
• Do not leave outside lights on day and night it is an indication that the house is not occupied.
• Leave a radio playing fairly loudly as this gives the impression that the house is occupied.