Burglar bars, alarms, gates, beams \u2013 there are many security options on the market all being sold as security \u2018must-haves\u2019 but how essential are they really?<\/p>\n
Agnieszka Gryn, regional executive for Fidelity ADT, said it\u2019s important to do your homework and speak to the right people before investing in security.<\/p>
\u201cThere are definitely superior products out there so don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions and make the best decisions based on your budget,\u201d she advised.<\/p>\n
When it comes to the first layer of security, perimeter security, she said having a motorised gate is the best option but if this is not within your budget, then ensuring the area surrounding your gate, as well as the area between the gate and the garage is clear of foliage is key.<\/p>
\u201cYou don\u2019t want any areas in which a criminal or hijacker could hide or use to their advantage.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalls, palisade fencing and electric fencing are also all effective deterrents if installed correctly.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake sure you use a professional for the job,\u201d said Gryn.<\/p>\n
Beams also fall within the perimeter security layer and can be very effective if attached to the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cFree-standing beams are not as effective for several reasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are susceptible to lightening damage, they are easily triggered by pets and plant movements, and criminals can easily bypass and damage them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole objective of perimeter security is to stop criminals from reaching the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeams, attached to the house facing the driveway or other high-risk areas, for example, can cover a 12m radius, and are protected from lightening, and criminals need to get through the 12m radius before they get to the house or can damage the beam.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe highly recommend this option and will advise customers on how to use them optimally bearing in mind pets, plants and other factors,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Women\u2019s Month \u2013 An opportune time to focus on safety and security<\/a><\/p>\n SAPS urge community to follow these safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When considering burglar bars, Gryn said burglar bars on the outside of the window are the best option, although they may not be as aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s important with external burglar bars is the quality of the bars and the area where they are anchored to the wall.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t go for cheap, thin bars and ensure a professional installs them so they can\u2019t be screwed out of the anchoring walls,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Most importantly, she said, is when you install burglar bars ensure that there is an escape route in case of a fire.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave a back door or front door accessible and ensure you have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in the areas where there are burglar bars,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Sliding doors and slam-lock doors also need to be good quality.<\/p>\n \u201cGo for brand names.<\/p>\n \u201cThe lock on basic sliding doors is simple to open with a screwdriver as is lifting the sliding door off its rails.<\/p>\n \u201cTo really secure a sliding door you need an additional latch.<\/p>\n \u201cSome residents have also cleverly welded a spike onto the door that slides into the wall when the door is closed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis prevents the door from being lifted off the rails. Once again keep fire in mind when installing security doors,\u201d Gryn said.<\/p>\n She also pointed out that with all security gates you need to check that criminals can\u2019t climb over the gap at the top.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd with double storey homes remember that the upper storey doors need to be just as secure as the ground floor doors.<\/p>\n \u201cThis includes sliding doors,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Alarm systems in the house are only effective when properly maintained, tested regularly and are activated.<\/p>\n \u201cToo often when there has been a break-in we find that either alarm systems aren\u2019t functioning properly because they have not been tested or maintained, or that residents simply become complacent and don\u2019t arm their alarms.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe an alarm system is a must-have because it\u2019s the quickest way to get help but residents need to be smart about using their system optimally,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She recommended having electric fences and beams on different zones so they can be activated separately when residents are inside the house.<\/p>\n \u201cUltimately you want to stop criminals before they get to your house.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen considering security \u2018must-haves\u2019 remember you need a layered approach and invest in good quality products.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will generally last longer if maintained and provide better security, which is the end goal,\u201d Gryn said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e 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 Kgotsofalang 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<\/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