Looking for a new home can be very exciting, but with so many things to consider, it isn\u2019t unexpected that one or two things can be overlooked.<\/p>\n
Security is very important to keep in mind \u2013 from the safety of the neighbourhood to how well-protected the property you are interested in is.<\/p>
There are a couple of basic rules to follow when it comes to considering the security of a new neighbourhood and home, said Fidelity ADT managing executive Stuart Clarkson.<\/p>\n
Do some research about your prospective new suburb. A local estate agent should be able to offer some insights into crime trends and its overall safety. The SAPS website is also a good source of information about crime statistics.<\/p>
\u201cLook out for signs of vandalism in the area as this could be a red flag,\u201d said Clarkson.<\/p>\n
Is there a neighbourhood watch or community security scheme, and are there regular security patrols?<\/p>\n
No neighbourhood will ever be completely crime-free, but it is good to have an idea of what the situation is like on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
Clarkson recommended taking a layered approach \u2013 working from the outside, in \u2013 to evaluate what measures are in place.<\/p>\n
From the boundary, make sure that there is nothing that could help a burglar easily get into the property; for example a bin that they could climb onto and over the wall.<\/p>\n
Also trim back any low-hanging tree branches that could be used to gain entry.<\/p>\n
Looking at the exterior of the property –\u00a0 the garden and backyard – keep an eye out for anything could be used as a weapon, or to gain entry to the home.<\/p>\n
Also be sure to check hinges and locks of gates and doors to ensure that they are not rusted and cannot be easily forced or broken.<\/p>\n
Then head indoors and do a similar check.<\/p>\n
Look specifically at the state and quality of hinges and locks on windows, gates and doors.<\/p>\n
Also pay attention to the condition of burglar bars that may be attached on the inside of windows.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n What to do when you find a stray animal<\/a><\/p>\n Office security \u2013 new tech is making all the difference<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If the property you are interested in already has an alarm system installed, find out from the agent or current occupants if it is still linked to a private security company and, if so, which services they do or do not subscribe to.<\/p>\n Also find out from them if there are any issues with any of the components; when last the system was tested and what the outcome of that test was.<\/p>\n In some instances the homeowners may choose to disconnect the system and cancel their security subscription before they move out.<\/p>\n If that is the case, contact your preferred provider who should be able to reconnect it quite quickly and easily.<\/p>\n When this is done, be sure that the system is tested and that all hardware is working properly before the technician leaves.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should also ask the previous residents or the agent to return all keys to doors and locks on the property.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have any doubt that you are not the only one with keys and access, change the locks for peace of mind,\u201d said Clarkson.<\/p>\n \u201cDeadbolts are ideal for outside and garage doors.\u201d<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve made the decision to buy or rent the home and you\u2019re all settled in, make some time to head next door to meet the neighbours.<\/p>\n They are often the first to notice when something is wrong or out of place, and in many cases the first responders in an emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re comfortable doing so, exchange contact details with your neighbours and agree to keep an eye on each other\u2019s homes,\u201d said Clarkson.<\/p>\n In closing, he also suggests finding out if your neighbourhood has a community watch.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you aren\u2019t able to join in on active patrols, there are other ways in which community members can support their local neighbourhood watch.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen residents, police and private security companies work together to curb crime, we do see positive results,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
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