How to secure your home against housebreaking and burglary

Housebreaking or burglary has consistently been the most common crime experienced by households in South Africa. 

This is according to a recent report by Stats SA which was released on Tuesday 1 December. 

READ: Shocking moment when woman screams and fends off burglars

According to the report, an estimated 1,2 million incidences of housebreaking were experienced in 2019/20, affecting 891 000 households in South Africa. 

Let’s look at ways you can lower the chances of your house being robbed.

- Survey your house using the eyes of a burglar. This means lookout for any weak spots. 

- Make sure your outside lights are on at night. Criminals do not want to be seen in the light. 

- Install cameras in your house. Don’t place them at an obvious place where robbers can mingle with them. 

- Get burglar doors.

- Look out for hiding spots. Don’t make it easy for robbers to easily hide in your yard.  

- Set up an alarm system.

- Make sure your house doors and windows are always closed properly. 

- If you are going away, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your house and install timers on your electronics. 

- Don’t expose your valuables such as expensive electronics, art, or furniture especially by the window. 

- Have a safe and ensure the code is not easy to guess.

- Don’t leave expensive items lying around in your house. Phones and other valuables, including car keys should not be in plain view. 

- Instal multiple locks on your entry doors. 

- Concealing exterior wires that are connected to your home security system. 

- Install window or glass break sensors.

Image courtesy of iStock/ @BrianAJackson