Safety and Security Awareness Tips

‘CRIME IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS
& SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY’

We encourage all community members to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Points to consider in terms of Safety Awareness at Home:

  • Perimeter Fences / Walls / Gates:
    Perimeter security is of utmost importance! A high quality fence around the house, with lockable gates, is often much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides. The primary aim of the fence is to make access / intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house. Razor wire and/or Electric Fence in vulnerable areas can provide added security. Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
  • Doors and Windows:
    Security gates and doors, with sturdy locks, in front of each outer door, as well as quality burglar proofing covering all windows are recommended and can prevent easy access, this together with additional locking devices, strengthening of doors, peepholes and safety chains. Secure your pet doors, as it may be used to gain entry into your premises by sending in a youngster.
  • Alarm Systems:
    Fit a good quality alarm, which should preferably be connected to an armed response company, and can act as an effective deterrent. Contact a reputable local security company to review your requirements and recommend a suitable system. In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch / panic button in the house, is recommended. A few switches / panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed. An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house, e.g. beams. Ask your security company to fit a long-life battery and power pack to ensure your alarm system will not malfunction during multiple load-shedding sessions.
  • Garages and Outbuildings:
    Burglars often concentrate on garages and outbuildings, which are less protected than your home, and not alarmed. Your DIY and garden tools are popular targets. Please also secure those areas and alarm them if possible.
  • Vehicles:
    If possible, please park your vehicles ‘off-road’ at your residence.
  • Security Lights and CCTV Cameras:
    Improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding with adequate coverage lights and recording CCTV cameras outside of the house. The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside. Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots. Proper street lighting is also very important. Report dark spots and faulty street lights, without delay, to the municipal electrical department via your local CAM office and/or via a CAM Ward Committee Member. CCTV camera footage can assist greatly to identify intruders on your property, and even assist to identify passing suspects, if you have street facing camera(s).
  • General Safety Precautions:
    • Ensure that all external doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home. Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one (or all) dog should be trained to sleep inside the house. If you leave your residence, inform your family / neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving.
    • Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used in an attack, are locked away securely when you do not use them.
    • Vary your daily routine. Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights. Remain awake for a while. You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
    • Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position. Empty your mailbox from ‘junk’ mail often, or ask your neighbours to do so if you are away for extended periods.
    • If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work / a visit, for example your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home. Then rather contact SAPS to come assist and ensure your safety.
    • Identify relatively safe places of refuge in your home, for example secured bedroom with gate access, bathroom, toilet, storeroom, etc. The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
    • Involve employees as they are part of the family / team. Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing. Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
  • Employees:
    Take photographs of all employees and keep records and related copies (e.g. Identity Documents) of all your employees. Do not employ casual workers without a reference. It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required. Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.
  • Neighbours:
    Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other. Start a “Neighbours” WhatsApp (WA) group where you keep each other informed of your movements and urgent needs. In case of emergency your neighbours can even then act accordingly if you, for instance, merely type “HELP”. Always inform your immediate neighbours when you are going to be away from home for extended periods. Also inform your security company, SAPS and the Neighbourhood Watch.
  • Access and Key Control:
    • Implement proper key control measures. Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate / door access can be gained.
    • Keys to the safe must be kept on the person or in an unidentified obscure secure place. Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
    • Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal. Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers. Change locks when keys are lost.
    • Insert barring devices in door locks. Remove keys from doors when leaving. Do not allow strangers access to your premises or in your house without having properly identifying the person, any time day or night. Ensure that your security company knows who your key-holders / house sitters are in the event that you are away for extended periods.
  • Wheelie Bins:
    • Your Wheelie Bin can unfortunately be used as a ‘Tool for Crime’. Please only place your wheelie bin out on the morning of collections, and NOT the night before! Criminals can steal your bin and, if left out the night before, use it for various criminal aspects e.g. transporting stolen goods, even to assist them in climbing over high fences / walls. It can be also be used as a hiding place to ambush you.
    • If you cannot place your bin out on time for day of collection, arrange with your neighbours to assist each other and vice versa – one week you place out they bring in.
    • ID your bin. For example, paint your street name and number on the bin. Make it your own (paint a colour or pic onto it).
    • Record your BIN ID# for reporting purposes if stolen.
    • Take your bin inside as soon as possible after it has been emptied.
    • Always report stolen bins to SAPS and get a reference number for when you report the stolen bin to the Municipality.
  • Communication:
    Place the telephone or cellular phone(s) where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house. Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone. Invest in affordable two-way radios between you and your immediate neighbour(s), if possible.
  • Partner with the CPF, Neighbourhood Watch and SAPS (Partners in Policing):
    The general public is also an important partner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in strengthening the fight against crime. Napier SAPS encourage all residents to partake in efforts within the community and to support and engage with the Community Police Forum (CPF) and Neighbourhood Watches (join the latter if you are able to assist in any way).
    • ALWAYS report ALL suspicious behaviour, Incidents and important information to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
    • Obtain an Incident Report (IR) number OR report ‘anonymous’ information to a CPF EXCO member, who will escalate this in an appropriate manner.
  • Emergency Numbers:
    Please ensure that you have all emergency numbers saved on your phone(s) and visible in the home.
    • NAPIER SAPS: 028 423 8000
    • SAPS CRIME STOP: 08600 10111 (anonymous reporting)
    • SAPS EMERGENCY LINE: 10111 (or 112 free from cell phone)
    • ALL local emergency numbers are also listed on the Safety & Security WA group (click on the group name, and then ‘read more’ under the Description).
  • SAFETY & SECURITY WA Group:
    Please join the important local Safety & security WA group. This is where residents are kept updated and can post crime related info (always first report to SAPS). This group is also used by the CPF Communications to post urgent emergency warnings and/or general important Safety & Security information. To join send a text WA message to: Ivan Boshoff on 083 700 2152 and supply “Name and Surname and Street Address”. You will then be sent the rules, followed by a link where you can then join the group.

PLEASE BE SAFE AND STAY VIGILANT