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PROJECT: THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON (PART 4) - HOME SECURITY

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Beyond the loss of valuable or cherished personal items, burglary can have a profound and

lasting impact on a person’s sense of security and overall well-being.

 

It is critical to take the necessary safety measures to protect your home and deter burglars,

particularly during the South African festive season, when burglary rates spike.

 
  • Start with the basics and lock your doors, garage doors and gates.

  • Consider adopting a watchdog.

  • When hosting friends and family during the holidays, keep the gate closed and ensure all vehicles on the property are securely locked.

    • If the festivities are focused on one area of the property, make it a priority to keep all other doors, the garage, and the gate locked to maintain security.

  • Focusing on your outer perimeter as the first line of defence can significantly deter burglars before they reach your front door.

    • A secure fence and gate act as the first visible barrier, signalling to potential burglars that your property is well-protected.

    • The more challenging it appears to access the property, the more likely burglars will look for easier targets.

    • Placing barriers further from the house allows more time to respond if someone attempts a break-in.

    • For example, motion-activated lighting, cameras, or alarms installed along the fence or gate will alert you (or a security provider) early on, giving you valuable time to react.

    • Burglars rely on concealment to avoid detection; therefore, a well-secured outer perimeter can limit hiding spots.

    • Low or see-through fencing (with secure materials) and trimmed hedges prevent burglars from approaching the house unnoticed.

  • The most secure homes use a layered security system.

    • By reinforcing the outer perimeter, you create multiple obstacles that a burglar needs to overcome.

    • This multi-layered approach deters intruders and slows them down, making it harder for them to access your home quickly.

  • Doorbell cameras allow you to see who is at the door and gate, allowing you to communicate with them and create a "presence" even if you are not there.

  • For the best security, keep the front of your property visible from the street.

  • Data shows that well-lit areas experience fewer break-ins and violent crimes.

    • For those with a working streetlight outside, this is a natural deterrent.

    • But for others, consider adding floodlights around your property, particularly those activated by movement.

    • Strategic lighting near entrances, garages, and darker areas deters intruders and makes it safer for you and your family to move around the property at night.

  • A simple, motion-activated outdoor light is one of the most effective and accessible home security measures.

    • Motion-sensor lights activate whenever movement is detected at night, startling would-be intruders and drawing attention to any activity around your property.

    • These lights can alert you to unwanted visitors, allowing you to respond immediately from the inside.

  • Many expensive vehicles have advanced keyless entry, and it is essential to store these keys securely.

    • Thieves using signal-amplifying devices can exploit keyless car systems, allowing them to unlock your car if the keys are nearby.

    • To prevent this, store keyless car keys far from your car and, ideally, in a signal-blocking container to ensure thieves cannot access the vehicle from outside your home.

  • Avoid leaving valuables items like laptops, televisions, jewellery, and keys visible from windows.

    • These should be kept out of sight from anyone peering through windows.

    • Items like jewellery, watches, and cash should be stored in a secure, graded safe that is well-concealed and covered by insurance.

    • Alternatively, consider a commercial safety deposit box for high-value belongings.

  • The idea is to make it look like someone is always at home and install set timers on indoor and outdoor lights to create the illusion of occupancy.

    • Even if you are home, this can be a good practice, as irregular lighting makes it harder for burglars to determine a predictable pattern.

    • If you are going away, ask someone you trust to check on your home, open and close blinds and curtains, collect your mail, and occasionally park in your driveway. This makes it appear like someone is regularly around.

  • Do not leave signs that you are away, like an untidy yard or a dark home.

  • Ensure all doors and windows are locked and consider adding deadbolts or security bars if they are not already in place.

    • Burglars often attempt entry through patio doors, so install extra locks or a security rod to prevent easy sliding.

    • Often overlooked, these are vulnerable points if left unsecured.

  • Lock away all garden equipment, such as ladders, scaffolding, or anything that might aid the burglar.

  • Home alarm systems, including smart alarms with remote monitoring, can alert you (and authorities) if there is an attempted break-in.

    • Visible alarm signage can serve as a deterrent.

    • Cameras can monitor and record activity around your home and are a strong deterrent if visible.

  • If you are going away for an extended period, consider hiring a security service to patrol the area.

  • Communities that look out for each other and report suspicious behaviour are less likely to be targeted.

  • Avoid posting travel details, locations, or photos in real-time.

    • Burglars may monitor social media to confirm you are away.

    • Restrict your privacy settings and ensure that only close friends or family can see your posts. Consider waiting to post travel photos until you are back.

  • After the holidays, do not pile up boxes from expensive purchases outside your home.

    • This is a clear indication of valuables inside the house.

 

By layering these security measures, you make it difficult for burglars to target your home,

giving you and your family peace of mind during the festive season.

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.

This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


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