A home invasion is a scary situation and one we all want to prevent.<\/p>\n
So, what\u2019s the most effective way to not become a statistic?<\/p>
Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, offered these top five tips:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as a hiding place and ensure that the yard, pathways and dark corners are well-lit. Check your burglar bars and security gates for rust or weak spots as these weak spots can be easily broken or forced open.<\/p>
\u2022 Be sure that the household – including domestic staff – know when and how to use the alarm system and panic buttons if these are installed. They should also know who to call in an emergency – make a list of contact numbers and post them on or near a phone. If you have not been informed of the arrival of delivery people or service providers, do not open the door, even if they insist that they have an appointment.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Make sure the alarm system is armed overnight or when anyone is home alone. If possible, lock inter-leading doors to rooms that are not used overnight and keep a cellphone at your bedside in case of an emergency. Keep your panic button with you at all times.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Check your security often. This includes testing your alarm and panic buttons at least once a month. It also includes walls, gates, and any entry points on your property and house.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Get to know you neighbours. Neighbours are often the ones to notice something amiss in your neighbourhood and on your property. Join your local neighbourhood watch. There is a significant reduction of incidents of break-ins and home invasions where community groups are active.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Police give safety tips to assist the community, so they avoid becoming a statistic<\/a><\/p>\n Safety tips for outdoor training<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the unfortunate event that a criminal is able to force their way into your home, Hattingh\u2019s advice is to stay as calm as possible and to try to evaluate the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cUnless you feel you are facing an imminent life-and-death situation, don\u2019t fight back.<\/p>\n \u201cAs hard as it may be, accept your situation and give your assailants time to take any material possessions they want.<\/p>\n \u201cSpeak only if spoken to and then try to keep your answers short and to the point.<\/p>\n \u201cBe conscious not to stare at the assailants but try nevertheless to get a good look at them and memorise their physical details and clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cListen for any names or other details that might help identify them later,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Generally speaking, she said the first few minutes of a home invasion are the most dangerous.<\/p>\n \u201cTry to remain calm and quiet.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are not threatening, the assailants can concentrate on their goals and leave,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n She strongly advised that residents speak to their families and staff about possible scenarios so they can be aware of what to do should they ever find themselves confronted with a home invasion.<\/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 <\/p>\n <\/p>\n