Crime comes through driveway gates

IF you want to secure your house, start from the outside and work yourself in.

Too many people jump into buying surveillance cameras before fixing easy entry hot spots often used by criminals.

This was the message from security equipment supplier and CPF patroller, Willem Diederiks at the Meerensee CPF public meeting on Thursday evening.

He emphasised residents should be far more cautious about putting extra safety measures in place at their remote controlled gates.

‘Gate motors were designed for luxury, not security, and criminals know it,’ said Diederiks.

‘Manufacturers have come up with innovative tools to ensure gates are more secured.

‘New gate motor boxes come with locks, but if you have an older version, install anti-theft brackets designed to stop thieves from gaining entry into the motor.

‘There are also plates available made to be welded to the gate so burglars cannot lift it off the rails.’

Diederiks also warned that residents make the mistake of immediately driving off after closing their gates.

‘There are planned crimes and there are opportunistic crimes.

‘Both come into play with burglars.

‘While closing a gate, take a close look around you and ensure no suspicious pedestrians are lurking around your street.

‘If there are, drive around and come back to your home – this will throw off a potential criminal.’

He added when arriving home to a broken gate, never to get out of the car and investigate on your own.

‘First ask your neighbours to accompany you in case criminals jammed the gate to jump you.

‘Alone, you are much more vulnerable and a burglar can get easy access into your open home.’