As we head towards the middle of the year, our fast-paced lives are in full swing with routines and daily schedules set and locked down.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, this routine provides great opportunities for criminals.<\/p>
\u201cThe Criminal Opportunity Theory tells us that criminals use opportunity, whether through legitimate means or otherwise, to gain what they desire.<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents need to be aware that criminals count on them to create the opportunities that they so desperately need in order to take advantage and get what they want.<\/p>
\u201cWhile shopping centre and driveway robbery are extremely difficult to prevent, burglary and home invasions can be countered with a review of one\u2019s home\u2019s use of physical and electronic security.<\/p>\n
\u201cHomeowners need to take a walk through their properties with the eye of a criminal,\u201d said Jason Mordecai CEO of Seven Arrows Security.<\/p>\n
Mordecai further warned that criminals are clued up on security devices used to prevent them from entering homes which call for cleverly planned security systems that criminals cannot break through.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake sure all barriers set up are strategically installed by a professional security company,\u201d advised Mordecai.<\/p>\n
\u201cA beam placed in the incorrect location will prove to be ineffective and therefore a futile effort to keep criminals out. All security measures around your home need to be installed correctly and by someone who knows how criminals gain access to your properties,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Security checks to take note of:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 The gate is always the weakest link in the security chain; special measures need to be taken to prevent the gate from being derailed. Make sure your gate motor has an anti-theft bracket installed and that it is always closed.<\/p>\n \u2022 Light up your homes, and make sure you don\u2019t provide any hiding spots for criminals to use to their advantage.<\/p>\n \u2022 Review your alarm system and check that blind spots in your electronic network are covered.<\/p>\n \u2022 Foliage that can interfere with systems should be trimmed.<\/p>\n \u2022 Windows and doors should also be looked over and checked to see that they close properly and are secured with burglar bars\/security gates.<\/p>\n \u2022 The alarm system should be tested with your response company. It is also important to check that your alarm system\u2019s battery is in good working order and that your response company receives an alert if the battery is failing. This is because burglars will trip the power in the house in the hope of wearing down the alarm battery.<\/p>\n \u2022 Call your security company and ask them to do a walk-through of your properties and assess any security weak points for potential criminals to use to their benefit.<\/p>\n \u201cA security system is only as good as the user.<\/p>\n \u201cAlarms need to be activated every time you leave your home or go to bed. Domestic workers and house sitters looking after properties need to be briefed on the workings of the alarm system and on all security protocols.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not ignore suspicious behaviour. If something or someone does not seem right to you, trust your instincts and report it to your security company,\u201d Mordecai said.<\/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