Top 10 Tips

As the second wave of the Coronavirus hits South Africa, we will all be spending more time at home. While your presence at home can act as a deterrent to criminals, it’s never a guarantee. Now that you have some extra time on your hands, spend it investing in your home’s safety – DIY style. It all starts with implementing four basic principles: natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement and maintenance, which form the basis of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Here are our top 10 tips to help you elevate your security using this method. 

  1. Remove any obstructing foliage, rubbish bins or sculptures that could act as a hiding place for intruders. 
  2. You don’t need to sacrifice your garden for safety. Plant low, thorny hedges below your windows. They won’t obstruct your view, and they’ll provide an incredibly uncomfortable hiding spot. 
  3. It’s key to keep all areas well lit. Invest in smart lighting. This includes exterior lighting that you can control from inside the house and demand lighting that is activated by motion sensors. 
  4. Where lighting isn’t available, install a CCTV system so that you can monitor these areas and cover all your blindspots. Make sure that the cameras are visible so that potential intruders know they’re being watched.
  5. Where you can, add extra barriers to cut off direct access. This can be done by utilising multiple security gates on all entrances and to vulnerable rooms in the house. 
  6. Take control of your foot traffic. Ensure that your driveway leads clearly to the garage and another footpath to the house. 
  7. Should you employ a security service, make sure that their signage is clearly visible on your gate, exterior walls and your home. 
  8. Ensure that everyone in your home has a clear sight of all entrances and can access panic buttons easily. 
  9. Maintenance is key! An area that is well-maintained shows that it’s cared about and its inhabitants will easily notice any changes.  
  10. Lastly, make your home difficult to enter. Deadbolt locks, protective window films and sturdy burglar guards are all great options and will add another layer of safety.