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Driveway robberies on the increase

Driveway robberies are on the increase and homeowners can be susceptible to these types of attacks when either arriving or leaving their homes. According to Chubb Security, this is the latest modus operandi used by perpetrators who then either hijack homeowners or use the opportunity to gain easy access to their homes. More often than not, says Chubb, house alarms and beams are not armed thereby allowing perpetrators free reign before the homeowner’s security provider is notified.

Chubb therefore suggests the following tips for homeowners when leaving the home:

1. Before opening your perimeter gate, ensure there is no one loitering outside.

2. As soon as you exit your property, set your alarm. If you cannot hear the system being set, install a small light on the outside of the house that is linked to the alarm system and shows when the alarm is set.

3. Never drive away from your property without checking the gate has closed properly.

4. If you see any suspicious looking individuals loitering near your home, do not approach them, rather call the relevant authorities.

When arriving home make sure of the following:

1. If you think you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station or to another safe place eg, a petrol station.

2. Deactivate your alarm once you are sure the area is safe.

3. If a relative is already at home and has deactivated the alarm, check your surroundings before entering the property.

4. Wait until your gate has closed fully before proceeding up the driveway.

Chubb also recommends the following additional safety tips to prevent driveway robberies:

1. Consider enhancing your perimeter security by installing perimeter or wall top beams that cover the driveway area and the perimeter wall, forewarning you if someone has breached your perimeter fencing.

2. Consider installing electric fencing; however make sure it is monitored by a security provider.

3. Cut down bushes in and around the entrance to your home as these act as good hiding places for would-be criminals.

4. Increase your view - try not to have high walls and tall hedges that obscure your view of your property.

5. Install adequate lighting and make sure outside lights can be remotely controlled from inside the premises and via the burglar alarm system.

6. Consider installing demand lighting which is activated by a motion detector.

7. It is preferable to have automatic gates installed so that you do not have to leave the safety of your vehicle to access your premises.

8. Programme all emergency telephone numbers into your cellphone system eg, your security company, South African Police Service (SAPS), ambulance, fire department etc.

For further information contact Chubb Security South Africa, +27 (0)11 761 7000.

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