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Johannesburg’s festive season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and holiday trips. It’s also a time when home security becomes more important than ever.

Crime rates often spike over the holidays, taking proactive steps to secure your home can give you peace of mind and help protect your family, property, and valuables.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to securing your home this festive season.

Secure Your Home Before Traveling

If you’re planning to travel over the holidays, remember that a vacant home is an easy target. If you’re not able to go the house-sitter route, here are some essential tips to protect your home while you’re away.

Double-Check All Locks and Entrances

Ensure all windows, doors, and gates are securely locked before you leave. If possible, consider reinforcing locks on weaker access points, installing security bars, and reinforcing any potential entrances, no matter how minor they seem.

Use Smart Security Systems

Smart home technology allows you to monitor and control your home’s security remotely. From alarm systems to CCTV, investing in smart security options gives you real-time updates on your property and can even alert authorities if a breach occurs.

Install Outdoor Lighting with Motion Sensors

Criminals are less likely to approach a well-lit property. Motion-activated lights around entrances and pathways can deter intruders, especially at night.

Arrange for Regular Check-Ins

Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to check on your home periodically while you’re away. Regular activity around the house can make it look occupied, which discourages potential intruders.

Get Involved with Community Groups

Whether it’s the community policing forum or just a group of vigilant neighbours who keep an eye on each other, being a part of a community group can help you get assistance as soon as you need it and have your neighbours’ eyes on your home, especially while you’re away. Being involved in the community is a great way to get another layer of peace of mind.

SB Security Solution Spotlight: Technical Installations

SB Security’s installation teams can provide complete alarm and CCTV installations to keep an eye on your property. With options for both hard-wired and wireless systems, you can choose the best solution for your home.

Guard Against Home Invasions While at Home

Many people stay at home for the holidays, but that doesn’t eliminate the risk of home invasions. Here are a few ways to stay vigilant and safe, even if you’re spending the season at home:

• Be Mindful of Holiday Deliveries: Deliveries often increase around the holidays, which can inadvertently signal that a house is occupied or that packages are waiting on the doorstep. Try to collect packages quickly or arrange to have them delivered to a more secure location.
• Avoid Posting Travel Plans on social media: While it may be tempting to share your holiday activities, posting your plans online can alert criminals to when your home will be empty.
• Limit Access to Your Property: Lock your gates and keep outdoor spaces secured to limit easy access to your home. Avoid leaving ladders or tools outside, as these could be used by intruders.

SB Security Solution Spotlight: Guarding Services

SB Security provides guarding services tailored to residential needs. With 12- and 24-hour options, you can have either armed or unarmed guards stationed around your property for added peace of mind.

Layer Your Security for Extra Protection

Layered security combines multiple security measures to protect different areas of your home, making it harder for criminals to break in.

• Install High-Quality Alarm Systems: Alarms act as a first line of defence by alerting you (and your security provider) immediately if an unauthorised person enters your property.
• Use CCTV for Real-Time Monitoring: CCTV cameras are a great deterrent and can capture evidence if a crime occurs. Position cameras near entry points and around the property perimeter for comprehensive coverage.
• Consider Electric Fencing: Adding electric fencing around your property perimeter creates a physical barrier, making it more difficult for intruders to enter undetected.

SB Security Solution Spotlight: Technical and Maintenance Services

SB Security offers electric fencing, CCTV installations, and ongoing maintenance to ensure all systems are functioning optimally. With technical backup from SB Security, you can rest assured that your security systems will be maintained and repaired as needed.

Collaborate with Neighbours

Community efforts can significantly increase home security. By coordinating with your neighbours, you can create a network of vigilant eyes that helps keep everyone safe.

• Join or Form a Neighbourhood Watch Group: A neighbourhood watch group can create a sense of community security and encourage neighbours to look out for each other.
• Stay Informed About Crime Trends: Keep up with local crime reports to stay informed about any recent crime trends in your area. This awareness can help you take extra precautions if needed.
• Coordinate Holiday Patrols: If your neighbourhood has security patrols, you may be able to arrange for additional patrols during peak times of risk over the holiday season.

SB Security Solution Spotlight: Armed Reaction and Neighbourhood Patrols

SB Security’s armed reaction service offers neighbourhood patrols and can respond to emergencies. With a month-to-month agreement, you can arrange for patrols without a long-term commitment, making it easier to add extra protection during the festive season.

Leverage Holiday Patrol Services

Many households choose to supplement their security with additional patrol services during the holiday season. A professional security provider can offer holiday patrols to monitor neighbourhoods, particularly in high-risk areas.

• Arrange for Regular Holiday Patrols: An increased security presence can act as a deterrent and help maintain neighbourhood safety.
• Stay Visible During High-Risk Times: Having a visible patrol presence around intersections, schools, and public areas can help deter potential criminals.

SB Security Solution Spotlight: Armed Reaction with Holiday Patrols

SB Security’s armed reaction team provides comprehensive holiday patrols, monitoring crime hotspots and increasing visibility. Their control room operates 24/7, ensuring that there’s always a response team available for emergencies.

Secure Your Garage and Automate Entry Points

Garages and gates are common points of entry for intruders. Securing these areas can add another layer of protection for your home.

• Install Gate and Garage Door Automation: Automated gates and garage doors reduce the risk of forced entry, allowing you to control access more efficiently.
• Use Anti-Lift Brackets: Anti-lift brackets on gates and doors prevent criminals from forcing them open.
• Automate for Safety: Consider automated systems that allow you to open gates and garage doors remotely, minimising the time spent outside your vehicle when entering or leaving your home.

SB Security Solution Spotlight: Automation Services

SB Security offers a range of automation solutions for gates and garage doors, including anti-lift brackets and motor locks to reinforce these vulnerable entry points.

Contact SB Security for Details

The festive season should be a time of joy, not worry. With the right security measures in place, you can enjoy this time with your family, knowing your home is protected. SB Security offers comprehensive solutions, from guarding and armed reaction services to technical installations and holiday patrols, all designed to give Johannesburg residents peace of mind. Whether you’re at home or away, taking proactive steps toward security can make all the difference.

For a personalized security assessment or to learn more about SB Security’s services, contact us today at (011) 462 – 5239 or via email at info@securitybrokerz.com. Let us help you keep your home safe this festive season.