Logo

Home Security Basics

News
13 December 2020
Over the years, Prof. Zinn has gathered intel relating to house break-ins and has put together an extensive list of weaknesses and deterrents at South African homes that criminals often take into account when identifying a potential target.
Burglar Proof (24)

Professor Rudolph Zinn, lecturer at UNISA's Policing and Investigations Department, has been interviewing convicted house robbers and burglars since 2008. Over the years, he's gathered intel relating to house break-ins and has put together an extensive list of weaknesses and deterrents at South African homes that criminals often take into account when identifying a potential target.

BURGLAR VS ROBBER

It's important to first understand the difference between a burglar and a robber. Prof. Zinn explains that a burglar has one primary goal - to get in and out of the house as quickly and efficiently as possible. They usually strike when the residents aren't home and try and avoid confrontation as much as possible. However, robbers spend more time inside the home and are willing to resort to violence to get what they want. 

THE MAIN POINTS

  1. Location, location, location. Before criminals even consider the security features of a home - such as fences, alarms and lights - they look at the physical location of the home. Prof. Zinn has found criminals tend to target homes located at the end of a one-way street where they can see police approaching the house. Houses in the middle of a block are also high risk, while criminals avoid corner premises due to the risk of running into someone while leaving the property. 
  2. Fences and walls. Prof. Zinn emphasises the importance of constructing an unstable fence which makes it more difficult for criminals to climb over. Higher walls are also not necessarily better as it ensures the criminals can't be seen from the outside. 
  3. Keep your dogs inside. Criminals have told Prof. Zinn that noise - whether it's from an alarm or an indoor dog - serve as an effective deterrent as these warn residents that there's someone in the yard. 
  4. Electric fences and alarms must be used properly and maintained. Ensure your alarm doesn't get triggered by moving branches and remove any obstructions from your electric fence on a regular basis. 
  5. Get involved. Join your local community security forum. Criminals have stated they'll try and avoid suburbs where residents are actively involved in the safeguarding of their area.