Home Security
Dear Neighbour,
Following recent burglaries in our area, the following comments are particularly relevant
At last Tuesday’s GOCOC the SAPS expressed considerable dissatisfaction at the number of burglaries that are assisted by open windows and doors. Inspector Spreeth went so far as to state that this could be construed as constituting negligence on the part of the householder. The need for serial numbers and/or receipts for laptops was also discussed – SAPS are convinced that a lot of laptop “thefts” are in reality insurance scams, so unless the serial or receipt is forthcoming to substantiate ownership they will not confirm it as a stolen item.
Both of these issues have very serious implications with regard to validity of insurance.
People need to wake up to the fact that the responsibility for front line security is theirs, and cannot be contracted-out. As Nick Spreeth put it, “the Police are not going to go around closing people’s windows for them”.
Regarding burglaries, questions we should be asking ourselves include:-
· Was anyone in the house at the time?
· Were any doors or windows left open?
· Before the burglary, were the valuables concealed or left in open view?
· Has a domestic or contractor had access to the house and been in a position to observe the nature and location of valuables?
· How did the burglar gain access to the house interior?
· Was there a dog on the property?
· Was the alarm system armed?
· Was there any damage to the property, e.g. by use of tools to gain entry?
· Is there a discernible pattern of house occupation, i.e. by observation, could the burglar conclude that the house would normally be unattended between 11:00 and 13:00?
It is incumbent upon all of us to check for weaknesses in our security, and to act accordingly. The Neighbourhood Watch can only do so much; the first line of defence is the responsibility of the householder.
Regards
Geoff
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