Even as security systems increase in sophistication, burglaries still pose a significant threat to Zimbabwean Homeowners.
Unfortunately thieves don’t seem to take a break over the winter and wet months and home thefts increase as the nights get wetter. Here are some tips to help keep your home and belongings safe.
Lock it up
While it may sound obvious, the most important step in securing your home is to lock (and double lock, if possible) all points of entry. Even if a door leads to an unused room, keep it locked up; this will make you less vulnerable should an opportunistic burglar decide to come in through a window.
Even when you’re relaxing in the comfort of your own home, it pays to be vigilant. A surprisingly high number of burglaries take place when the burglar is aware that someone is home, so be sure to keep an eye on any unlocked front doors or open bay windows which might attract a potential intruder. Make sure to arm your alarm system in the “stay” mode.
Improve your security
If you’re really eager to deter thieves, the first thing you should do is install a burglar alarm.
So, if you’re serious about ramping up your home security, make sure you get a CCTV camera installed, at least at the front of your house. To ensure these cameras are visible to potential burglars, place a light close by or put a sign up to show them you mean business.
Similarly, motion-activated lights are essential for all areas of your property. This brings attention to anyone approaching your home, which is a burglar’s worst nightmare. We recommend installing these lights if your home isn’t well lit by street lights.
And don’t worry if you’re not into your tech – sometimes the most effective safety precautions come with four legs. Yep – we’re talking about dogs. Whether you have a pet pooch or simply have a recording of a barking dog, our panel of experts listed the sound of barking to be the second biggest deterrent when breaking into a property.
Team up with your neighbours
The folks next door are good for more than just a cup of sugar – they’re safety-conscious homeowners just like you.
So, if you haven’t already, consider organising a neighbourhood watch group. These are great for raising awareness of ongoing crimes and providing information on what to do in emergencies. They’re also proven to reduce crime.
For more guidance on how to keep your home protected, read some of our top tips, below.
Top Tips
Close your curtains when you have the lights on inside,
If you’re out for the night, leave a light on inside to look like the house is occupied,
Be careful what you post on social media. As tempting as it is to show your friends what you own, think carefully who will be able to read your posts, and make sure you check your privacy settings to see who can and who can’t read them,
Check your insurance policy and make sure high value items such as gadgets are covered away from the home as these are not necessarily covered on a standard home insurance policy – personal possessions cover is often required.
