Safe & sound

Opportunistic crime tends to spike as we head into the festive season, which calls for extra vigilance and increased security at home. 

Skoko Sebola, Principal at Leapfrog Midrand, advises homeowners to be practical about security but to also think strategically about the security features that add value to the property. 

Cover the basics 

The first layer of security on any property tends to be things like safety gates at doors leading to the outside and burglar bars in front of windows. Ensure that gates and bars are properly installed and they should also be checked annually to ensure everything is in working order.

An alarm system is another basic layer of security for many homeowners and is a great option if you can afford it. Test the alarm regularly and ensure there is a battery pack to serve as backup in the event of a power outage or load shedding. Any issues with the system should be reported to the provider immediately.

Installing lights around the perimeter of the property is not just a great security feature but an aesthetic one too. "Strategically placed outside lighting is another great property value-add". Consider putting them on a timer so that it automatically goes on at dusk and also when you're away from home," Sebola recommends. 

Add an extra layer 

More is more when it comes to security at home, but "more" also requires a significant capital outlay. Features like security cameras and electrified perimeter fencing are both good options for adding an extra layer of security to your property, Sebola believes. "Commit to regular servicing and maintenance to ensure the cameras and fencing are in top working order at all times."

An "analogue" alternative to security cameras and electric fencing is simply to ensure the entrance to the property is highly visible from the road or to passers-by. "Visibility is a basic safety protocol so eliminate any possible hiding places for would-be criminals like dense shrubs or 

Good neighbours 

There's safety in numbers, and also in neighbours! "Resilient communities look out for one another so make an effort to get to know your neighbours, swap numbers and commit to letting them know if you spot something out of the ordinary happening around their property - chances are they will then do the same for you," Sebola says. 

WhatsApp groups, for a street, complex or neighbourhood, are also proving to be very useful for sharing news and information pertaining to the people living in a given area.

If you are having work done to your property by contractors or the like, the considerate thing to do is let your neighbours know to be aware of strangers frequenting the area and to be extra vigilant.

Group effort 

Lastly, get involved in your Neighbourhood Watch if there is one (or start one if there isn't). A Neighbourhood Watch is a great civic initiative that has been proven to be an effective way to reduce and combat crime in an area where it is active and well managed.Neighbourhood Watches tends to work closely with the local police, law enforcement and private armed response units to offer an additional layer of visibility and vigilance.

While security features like electric fencing, motion-sensor lights, security cameras and the like are great for keeping your home safe - and adding value to your property - vigilance and a civic-mindedness among neighbours also goes a long way to keeping crime at bay.