7/31/2019 Telesure Md Thomas Creamer Safe as Houses

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SAFE AS HOUSES?

 According to Telesure md Thomas Creamer: “Many people presume that they are‘safe as houses’ living in apartment blocks, townhouse or cluster complexes, but, toquote another adage, there is ‘no such thing as a burglarproof home’.”

Communal living has definitely become commonplace in South Africa. Just take alook around you, these days you can’t turn a corner without seeing signs advertisinga new apartment block, townhouse or cluster complex. Prices for these propertiescome at a premium due to the allure of safety and peace-of-mind, but we live in acountry where crime is rife, and everyone is at risk, no matter how high thesurrounding wall.

“Even though living in such close proximity to others does have its benefits in termsof safety, and all complexes are normally surrounded by electric fencing and have asecurity guard or night watchman in place, there are no guarantees when it comes tolock-up-and-go abodes,” says Creamer.

Follow these guidelines to ensure your safety in an apartment block, townhouse or cluster complex:

For starters, it is most important to make sure you get to know the security guardswho work in your complex, and any gardening staff or caretakers who may beemployed there. In addition, get to know your neighbours as being on good termswith your immediate neighbours will be the beginning of an informal neighbourhoodwatch. Remember that you are dependent on your co-residents when it comes tosecurity.

In a townhouse complex, it is now too easy for tenants to purchase duplicate copies

of even the most advanced coded gate remotes. These extra remotes can be handedto people that should not necessarily have access to the complex. It is advisable tomonitor who has access to your block or complex and ensure that non-residents whoare admitted to the complex are made to sign a register. It may be an annoyance, butit is well worth doing.

Ensure that the electric fencing around the perimeter of your complex is live, and thatsomeone has the task of checking this on a daily basis. Also make sure that theelectric fencing is free from any foliage, which may prevent it from working effectively.

In an apartment block, it is imperative that the front doors to the building areelectronically controlled, again to ensure that not just anyone has access to thebuilding. Also, all opening windows should be barred, and security gates should befitted to doors that open onto the corridors, even in those apartments that are severalfloors up from ground level.

“Living in communal blocks or complexes should mean that there are extra eyeslooking out for one another. Regrettably though, break-ins and theft do still takeplace. It is important that one does not adopt a false sense of security when livingbehind high walls and imposing gates - vigilance is key,” concludes Creamer.