Ensure that all 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 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, especially if you reside in a rural area.
Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used in an attack, are locked away when not in use.
Vary your daily routine, this is very important; criminals love to follow their targets to work, shopping, and home.
Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights; remain awake for a while to hear your surroundings. 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.
If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, e.g. your dogs do not come to the gate; do not enter your home. If there is anything out of the ordinary, don’t enter, chances are there is an intruder or they have been in your house.
Contact your security/Police or neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
Identify relatively safe places of refuge in the event of an attack or home invasion, i.e.: bathroom, toilet or storeroom with a proper lock to prevent them entering there. The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
Involve employees as they are part of the family/team, teach them the procedures in your home, it’s for their safety aswell. Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
Report suspicious behaviour and report that to the Police or Security Company.
Clear the areas around the front gates of the house, trim bushes and other hiding or dark areas where they can hide and surprise you when you arrive home.
Take photographs of all employees; make a copy of their ID Book for future 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. Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
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.
