SAFETY TIPS
For many years I have been attending meetings at various police stations, in addition to having a fair amount to do with many local Community Policing Forums. This involvement has meant that I have been privy to a great deal of information about crimes committed on both individuals and businesses. It’s always so very easy to blame the SA Police Services, in one-way or another, for just about every crime committed. But believe me this is seldom the case and I am always amazed, given the amount of crime that we are plagued with, at the carelessness of members of the general public that constantly rears its head and leads to both minor and major criminal acts being committed. One of the most regular situations is when a householder or business employee leaves front doors and security gates wide open while alone in the home or business; perhaps a woman engrossed in doing washing or ironing in the back of the home; a secretary doing some filing. This person cannot understand it when a passing SAP member calls out from her front door enquiring If she is aware of the dangers she places herself In. Instead
of thanking the member for pointing out her potential danger she very often becomes abusive.
Many years ago you could happily talk of living in a SECURE COMPLEX as being one surrounded by a 5ft fence and gates. Unfortunately today I don’t believe there is any such thing and you can no longer cease to take other additional precautions such as alarms and burglar guards embedded into the window frames. The average criminal of today is fairly bright and has probably had lots of experience with overcoming even electric fencing, electric gates and alarm systems. So I beg of you to be fully aware of potential dangers at all times and not carelessly let your guard down, even for a short while. Yes, it is extremely unfortunate that we have to live like this but it is always better to be safe than sorry. The policing authorities cannot be everywhere at all times and it’s my firm belief that the average police member does well under difficult circumstances. It’s a fact of life that there are unfortunately always a few rotten apples in every large barrelful.
So how does one protect yourself and your home? I have come up with a few solutions Number one on the list is Be Aware of your surroundings things like making sure your house is locked when you are alone in it. Secondly make sure that your alarm works and that the security company that you are tied into has a rapid response time. Thirdly invest in good security for your home Protecting your property is very important. And fencing plays a key role in providing this protection. So, when it comes to answering the question, “what type of fencing does my home need?”, You need to know what choices you have and the benefits of the fencing on offer.
5 ADVANTAGES OF SECURITY FENCING: • SECURITY The primary purpose of security fencing is… well, security. Fencing is part of the infrastructure that safeguards you and yours from vandals and other unwanted intruders. And you can select the type of fencing according to your budget Your fencing is going to be there for a good few years so make sure that is wont corrode easily and is of good quality. Remember the fence will be there even after you sell and move on so it must be aesthetically appealing and preferably low maintenance! • SAFETY Security fencing helps ensure the safety of your home. There are many types of security fencing from electric fencing to Clear view all serve a purpose and can be used to enhance the safety and beauty of your property Gone are the days of ugly barbed wire fencing. • ACCESS CONTROL Remote video access gives you control over who you let into your home. If you are uncomfortable with who is at the gate do not open for them and call your security service. Using these kind of products require a bit of maintenance work-checking batteries and making sure that ants do not affect the smooth running of the access control module. Page 14
