As criminals change and continue to change their patterns and behavior, it is important for homeowners to keep up with trends and the best ways to protect their homes, said Charnell Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT Group.
Coupled with the energy crisis, more and more homeowners are investing in energy forecasting products that are becoming attractive to criminals. A new trend is emerging as criminals target solar panels.
“Over the past few weeks, we have received reports of solar panels being stolen from buildings, usually during the day, while the owners are at work,” Hattingh said.
To stay one step ahead of opportunistic criminals, it is important to make your home less targeted, making it difficult for criminals to successfully carry out their plans on your property.
Hattingh offers the following safety tips:
- Make sure your garden is well lit at all times.
- Always install safety barriers. (Electric fence, camera, sensor light, burglar alarm and internal detection)
- Locksmith tools and garden tools. Don't let your stairs give crooks access to your balcony or deck.
- Never leave your box overnight, as criminals use it not only to take it, but also to transport stolen goods.
- Cut back excess bushes and bushes, as these are good places for criminals to hide.
- Always activate your alarm. Take advantage of the various features your alarm clock has to offer. (e.g. stay mode, sleep mode, away mode)
- Join neighborhood and street WhatsApp groups.
- Visual signs of an armed response can also serve as a deterrent.
- Installing high-quality CCTV cameras around your premises will help SAPS investigate and deter opportunistic criminals.
Be careful and don't leave anything to chance. If you see anything suspicious in or around your area, report it immediately to your local private security company and SAPS.
In addition, it is important to notify the police in a timely manner so that all incidents are recorded as crime statistics. “Crime statistics help police, along with private security companies and other actors, identify and allocate the necessary resources to neighborhoods to protect lives, better manage crime, reduce trends and ensure justice,” Hattingh said.
