December is called silly season for a reason. There has been a marked uptake in housebreakings over the festive season, over the last couple of years. Housebreakings in South Africa has increased with nearly 200 000 incidents as measured from 2018/2019 compared to 2019/2020. Home Security for the holidays is really important.
Housebreaking is different from a house robbery in that it takes place when the home is empty. Robberies are where criminals come into a house, armed, and fully aware of the fact that it is occupied – a whole different type of crime compared to opportunistic home invaders looking for an easy target. Robberies are classified as violent crimes, and (luckily), although they do still occur, most home invasions are usually committed by opportunistic thieves who would flee at the first sign of an obstacle.
This is important to keep in mind when you are securing your home before you leave on a (well deserved) summer vacation this year. To ensure that your house and possessions don’t fall prey to opportunistic elements while you are chilling on a beach somewhere, create layers of home security.
Layer One: The Basics
A fence or wall around your property is always a good start. Not only does it clearly indicate the border of your property, but it also allows you to control access to your home. Think of it as your first deFENCE against intruders.
Add professionally installed burglar bars and security doors at all entrances, and layer one is complete.
Before leaving on holiday:
Do a perimeter walk, check your electric fence (if you’ve got one) or look into getting an electric fence if you don’t have one.
A Second Layer: Armed Response
The next layer of security you should add is an alarm system, linked to an armed response company. Another important step is sufficient exterior lighting.
Before leaving on holiday:
Test your alarm system and replace any alarm sensors that might need to be replaced. Check for “dead zones” and trim any plants or branches obscuring “beams”.
Check all outside lights and make sure your house is well lit with a combination of motion sensing lights and day/night switches.
The Final LayerTop Tier Security
The final level of security is the fun one. Here you can get as creative as your budget allows.
Remotely accessible security cameras and lights can allow you direct visual access to your property when your alarm is triggered. There are many options for home automation security systems.
Before you leave on holiday:
Get a couple of security cameras for inside and outside the house. Do your research into the different security and monitoring mobile applications that are available and decide which one works for you.
Remember that you don’t have to live in an impenetrable fortress to be safe. Simply following a layered approach to security, staying aware and reducing risky activities can keep you and your possessions safe.
For expert advice, reach out to one of the many experts in our network. From fencing and lighting to security and automation – Homemakers Online has got you covered!
Burglar bars and security doors
