Intruder Alert
Consider these scenarios: you step into your house and hear noises outside – or you're home alone and hear shuffling feet from elsewhere in the house. Think about what you'd do if you found an intruder in your house and then take our advice on security.
UP YOUR SECURITY
The rate of reported residential burglaries in 2007 went down by 7%. Encouraging, yes, but hardly reassuring, considering that the incidence of reported burglaries in 2007/2008 was 237 853 cases. Don't become part of the statistics. Start by having a reliable alarm system installed and advertise its existence with a large sign outside.
'The first step to keeping unwelcome visitors out is to lock them out – with proper fencing, gates and doors as the first obstacle,' says spokesperson Nomathemba Mgwebile of the South African Police Service. Install the best locks you can afford. 'If you put in a security gate, make sure that it cannot be easily forced or broken open. A triple-locking gate is one of the most difficult to break,' she says.
To prevent entry via windows, install a key lock, says Mgwebile. 'Burglar bars should be installed in conjunction with a burglar-alarm system that is linked to a monitoring and arm-response service.' This may sound extreme, but burglar bars and an alarm system go a long way towards discouraging burglars.
Always activate the alarm when you leave the house, even if you're only going a short distance away and for a short time. It's also advisable to install panic buttons in bedrooms and elsewhere in the house.
Set up a 'safe room' in your house – even if it's only a wardrobe with a dead bolt on the inside of the door. This will be your hiding spot if an intruder gets into your home. Work out an emergency system and have exit routes planned to get you and other occupants out of your home to safety.
IN HARMS WAY
So what do you do if you suspect there's a burglar in your house? 'First don't panic,' says Sanette Smit. Stay very quiet and assess how much danger you're in. Where exactly is the noise coming from? Try to figure out how many burglars there are. Don't draw attention to yourself. As long as they think they're alone in the house, you should be safe. If you're sure they haven't seen you, get out, and then call the police.
If there's no escape route, stay in the room you're in and block the entrance. (Push tables and chairs against the door.) Push the panic button, or phone the police and your security company.
If you're cornered in a room, try to talk your way out of the situation. The burglar is out to steal from you and not necessarily to attack you – don't stop him taking anything, no matter how valuable. 'Oblige him – tell him where to find whatever he asks for. You can replace your valuables but not your life,' says Mgwebile. You must decide, depending on the circumstances, whether or not you're going to fight back. Assess the situation carefully, says Smit. Don't resist unless you are absolutely sure it will lead to your escape. Only if he attacks you first and you feel physically able to defend yourself should you strike back. If your instincts tell you to resist physically, do not hold back ¬fight with all your strength.
If you wake up to find a burglar in your room, pretend to be asleep. The sooner he gets what he wants, the sooner he'll leave. Work out a system with your partner and decide whether or not you'll wake each other up in such a situation. Remember – any sudden movement will startle the burglar and he could attack or fire at you.
IF YOU DECIDE TO FIGHT BACK:
If he is within striking distance, target his sensitive areas, says Smit, such as the nose, ears, throat, eyes and groin.
Look around for objects to defend yourself with. If you're in the kitchen, for example, grab a sharp knife. If in the bathroom, use your razor to slash him or throw mouthwash in his eyes. Be inventive. Any heavy object can be used to knock him over the head – but don't let him get hold of it instead. Once you're sure he's down, get away immediately.
'If circumstances indicate that you shouldn't resist, concentrate on noting the physical description of your attacker so you can identify him later,' says Mgwebile. Pay attention to his height and build, clothing and voice. Look out for distinguishing physical features such as tattoos, scars or a limp.
HOUSE RULES
Make your house look occupied at all times. If you know you'll be out late, leave a light on and a radio or television playing. 'When you go on holiday, inform the police and your alarm-response service, and ask for extra, visible patrols. Also inform them when you will return,' says Mgwebile. Ask a friend or neighbour to collect your mail if you'll be away from home for an extended period. 'Don't leave notes for family or friends outside your house, as potential burglars might read them too,' she says. 'Don't leave keys in hiding places outside your house.' A burglar will be able to think of any hiding place that you can.
Get canine protection. A large, barking dog tends to put potential burglars off or will at least slow them down.
Do your gardening. 'Remove shrubs or trees that could hide someone while he's waiting to break into your home,' says Mgwebile.
When you have repairs done of any kind, check workers' identification. It's quite common for burglaries to happen a few weeks after workmen have spent time in your home. If you're nervous, have the locks changed.
Display as little information about yourself as possible in your home, says Mgwebile. Photographs are fine, but don't leave things such as spare keys hanging in accessible places or write your work phone number in a very visible spot, for example, near a window. 'A potential burglar lurking outside may phone that number to make sure you're at work before trying to break in,' she says.
'Join your local-community police forum and Crime Watch to stay up to date with crime in your area,' says police captain Elliot Sinyangana. 'And ask your local police to give you security advice on how to improve your safety at home.'