Public warned to be security conscious this Easter

Safeguard Security has warned members of the public to be particularly careful to ensure their homes and offices are secure this Easter, in the wake of an increase in incidences of theft and robbery over the past few months.

"Over the past few months the number of thefts and robberies has been higher than normal.  The target, as usual, is cash, and more recently vehicles," a Safeguard spokesperson said. He added that robberies had been well planned and well executed.

In a message to clients, Safeguard said it had added additional emergency response vehicles to areas that had been particularly hard hit by the increase in crime.

"We have been pleased with the impact of this to date," the message said. "With Easter around the corner we will see a further spike over the holiday period. Please check on your systems and security now," the message said.

Among the guidelines Safeguard has offered as precautions against burglars and robbers are the creation of a safe zone within the home by, for instance, locking the connecting door, where there is one, between the bedroom section and the rest of the house.

Front and back doors should always be kept locked, unless there is a locked security screen closing the doorway.

Alarm systems should be switched on when the house is left unoccupied and as soon as possible when at home. Outside early warning alarms, if installed, should certainly be turned on.

If there are sections of the house that are empty, particularly in the evenings, they should be kept locked and the alarm system in that section should be activated.

 "Cash has increasingly become the prime target of thieves and robbers. The shortage of cash has meant that those who steal it can often make money from selling it at a premium," the Safeguard spokesperson said.

 "Don't keep cash at home or at the office. Make sure that keys and valuables are, as far as possible, out of sight and not left close to windows.

"If you have an alarm system, make sure it is functioning correctly, especially if you are going away on holiday. If you are going away for a holiday, advise your rapid response service, so it can keep a particular eye on your property," he said.

He emphasised the importance of instructing children and domestic staff never to allow anyone they do not know onto the premises, even if the person claims to be a relative or to have been sent to repair something, unless it is someone they were expecting.

He advised Safeguard rapid response customers to ensure they have the free cellphone panic facility installed by Safeguard on their cellphone. This enables them to obtain assistance in any emergency whether at home or while travelling.

"The increase in crime has made it important to be security conscious at all times. Do not leave your cellphone or any valuables on the table when you are in a restaurant. Be conscious of where your handbag is and try to make sure it cannot easily be snatched.

"Make sure your home is secure whenever you leave it unoccupied. Make sure those you leave at home are security conscious and do not leave external doors unlocked.

"It is doubly important to ensure you have adequate security measures in place when you leave home during holiday periods, as thieves readily take advantage of such absences.

"If you are going away for the long weekend, try to make sure this is not obvious to the neighbourhood and that your security systems are effective," he said.