PROPERTY NEWS - Looking for a new home can be very exciting; but security is very important to keep in mind; from the safety of the neighbourhood to how well protected the property you are interested in is.
There are a few basic rules to follow when it comes to considering the security of a new neighbourhood and home:
Get to know the neighbourhood
Do some research about your prospective new suburb. A local estate agent should be able to offer some insights into crime trends and its overall safety. The SAPS website is also a good source of information about crime statistics. Look out for signs of vandalism in the area as this could be a red flag. Is there a neighbourhood watch or community security scheme, and are there regular security patrols? No neighbourhood will ever be completely crime-free, but it is good to have an idea of what the situation is like on the ground.
A layered approach to assess security
From the boundary, make sure there is nothing that could help a burglar get into the property easily, for example a bin that they could climb onto and over the wall. Also trim back any low-hanging tree branches that could be used to gain entry.
Looking at the exterior of the property (i.e. the garden and backyard), keep an eye out for anything that could be used as a weapon, or to gain entry to the home. Also be sure to check hinges and locks of gates and doors to ensure that they are not rusted and cannot be easily forced or broken. Also pay attention to the condition of burglar bars that may be attached on the inside of windows.
Check out the security system
If the property you are interested in already has an alarm system installed, find out from the agent or current occupants if it is still linked to a private security company and, if so, which services they do or do not subscribe to.
In some instances the homeowners may choose to disconnect the system and cancel their security subscription before they move out. If that is the case, contact your preferred provider, who should be able to reconnect it quite quickly and easily. When this is done, be sure that the system is tested and that all hardware is working properly before the technician leaves.
You should also ask the previous residents or the agent to return all keys to doors and locks on the property or change the locks for peace of mind.
Meet the neighbours
Once you've made the decision to buy or rent the home and you're all settled in, make time to meet the neighbours. They are often the first to notice when something is wrong or out of place, and in many cases the first responders in an emergency.
