Home Security Procedures

Introduction

Our home has been described as our castle. It is often the most valuable asset we possess. The privacy of our dwelling is a value which is guarded and defended strenuously, but often we fail to provide the security it requires.

Whether at home or abroad, security awareness must permeate through every member of the family, including children.

The aim is not to create anxiety but to generate security-minded attitudes and habits whereby every family member will benefit.

Your spouse or partner should be oriented and trained in proper procedures to take in all emergency situations and will greatly assist in providing security awareness to other family members.

At Home

One of the major concerns of all families at home or abroad in an ever increasing violent society, is the protection of the family and the home. For security measures to be effective, all household members must be aware of potential security problems and what precautionary steps to take.

• All servants, housekeepers, gardeners and part-time employees such as baby-sitters, should be screened before employment. Don't assume all people are honest. Do an in-depth interview and check references.

• Keep in mind that you are allowing someone into your home who knows your schedule, has access to everything in your house and who knows a great deal about you.

• Make sure every member of the household, children as well as baby-sitters and other help, understand and follow security practices.

• Don't open the door to unknown visitors.

• Ask for proper identification before allowing a repairman, salesman or similar type of caller inside.

• Criminals often carry false identity cards, when in doubt, be cautious and call to confirm the person's identity before allowing entry.

• Don't open the door to accept packages unless the delivery has been verified by the delivery company, or you're expecting this particular delivery.

• Servants must be aware of all delivery drivers who have possible access to the home.

• Don't allow "stranded motorists" inside to use the telephone. Have them stay outside, with the door locked, while you make the call for them.

• Be suspicious about phone callers not known to you who want to know where a family member is, or what they are doing.

• Don't give out information to "wrong numbers" callers. If a caller asks "to who am I speaking?" respond with "who are you calling? What number did you dial?.. Sorry wrong number."

• Above all, don't let a caller know you're home alone.

• Secretaries and work colleagues should not give residential telephone numbers to unknown callers. Take the caller's number and tell him/her the person they want will call them back.

• Trust your instincts. If you see someone or something around your home or neighbourhood that doesn't seem right, make a note of the description or vehicle licence number and report it to the police.

• If there is a Neighbourhood Watch group in your area, join it.

• Do not become routine in shopping or appointments.

• Post emergency numbers next to every telephone.

• Your burglar alarm should be turned on every time you leave your property.

• When returning to your property at night do not leave the safety of your motor vehicle until you are sure it is safe to do so.
  If your garage is fitted with an automatic opener, do not open the door until it is safe to do so. Automatic security lighting is extremely beneficial under these circumstances.

• If you live in a country or where circumstances require it, set up a "safe room" in the house to which you can retreat in case of forced entry by intruders.

• The safe room should have a strong door, deadbolt locks and a phone. Its purpose is to give you added minutes of security until the police arrive.

• Don't put your name on house keys, the mailbox or door.

• If you lose your house keys, have the locks changed immediately.

• Don't hide a house key outside where it can be found easily.

• Make it appear as though someone is at home when the family is away by playing a radio or television, or by using timers to turn lights on and off.

• Have a friend or neighbour park a car in the driveway at different times.

• Arrange to have the grass cut.

• Be sure to stop mail and paper deliveries, or have a trusted friend pick them up.

• Inform your neighbour watch group how long you will be away, if you are a member.

• A dog may be a deterrent to burglars.

Office Security Procedures

Introduction

All staff must be encouraged to be vigilant for threats to security. Education programs identifying threat levels and counter-measures should be part of everyday business practices.

Most offices do not follow reasonable security practices. Often it is easy to gain entry, especially for the person who looks like they belong there. Once inside, it's easy for the intruder to access personal possessions, office supplies and equipment, and property information.

Office Security

• Visitors should be required to sign in and wear a visitor ID Badge.

• A receptionist or security person should be positioned so that everyone has to pass by them for access to the building, elevator or office.

• Appointments should be verified and all visitors should be accompanied by company personnel at all times.

• Ask for and check the identification of anyone unfamiliar to you who is in employee-occupied areas of your office.

• Set up strict procedures for control of keys to executive offices, desks, file cabinets and other office areas.

• Don't leave keys or wallets in your jacket, coat or purse when you leave your office area.

• Receptionist's areas should be manned during lunch breaks.

• Many criminal and "Street Kids" known as "Stair Dancers" operate during lunch and tea breaks to steal personal items from unattended offices and areas.

• Ensure your personal items are locked away or at least out of sight during work hours.

• Where access control systems operate these should not be turned off until secretaries or receptionists arrive at work and should be activated when they leave.

• Visitors leaving after hours should be escorted from the building.

• Restrooms and areas that are accessible to the public should be locked.

• Doors to maintenance areas, telephone and electrical equipment rooms should be locked.

• All public access rooms should be checked at night before the office is closed.
  

• All petty cash, valuable items and sensitive information must be locked in a security cabinet or safe.

• A "clear desk" policy is recommended for all staff.

• A hidden emergency button should be installed at the receptionist's desk.

• In some circumstances it may be necessary to install an emergency button at the desks of key executives.

• Avoid loose talk about corporate affairs, especially casual conversations in bars or clubs, or releasing of sensitive information that should be kept confidential.

• The names, positions, home address or phone numbers of key executives or corporate officials should not be given out over the telephone.

• Sensitive areas should be swept periodically for bugs or eavesdropping devices.

• Keep a low profile about company or personnel information that could be advantageous to criminals, particularly publicity in social columns and trips, memberships, parties, social activities and other indicators of wealth or social status.

• All personal information about senior or key executives should be treated as security classified information and not made public without proper clearances.

• Good housekeeping is essential in every workplace. Get rid of overgrown shrubbery, old boxes and discarded packaging material.This could provide cover for the intending wrongdoer.

• Executive parking areas shouldn't be easily identifiable. Names should not be posted on parking spaces.

• When giving out keys to parking attendants, make sure it is only the ignition key, not the boot key, and definitely not a key ring with house and office keys.

Secure Car Travel

Travelling by Car

• The vehicle should be in excellent condition, and serviced by a reliable organization.

• If residing abroad, your vehicle should be of a model, make and colour which are amongst the most prevalent. License plates should be the same as those used by local citizens.

• In some areas it may be necessary to fit the vehicle with an anti-theft device.

• The petrol tank should be at least half full at all times and be fitted with a locking cap which is released from inside the vehicle.

• It is advisable to have two-way communication fitted or available in the vehicle.

• Senior executive vehicles should be registered in the name of the corporation rather than the individual executive.

• Names should not be placed on private parking areas.

• Parkin areas where the car can be locked. If you have to leave the ignition key, separate it from others on your key ring.

• When parking in garages or underground structures, check the area carefully before getting out. Street kids and criminals often frequent these areas.

• Always park in well-lit streets or parking buildings at night if you are on personal or family outings.

• When travelling keep the doors locked. In crowded cities, side open car windows are an invitation to a criminal. Only open the window 3 - 5 mm.

• Keep purses, packages and other valuables out of sight, in the boot or on the floor. Never leave valuables in the car. Company information should only be carried in the boot while travelling. It should never be left in the vehicle overnight.

• Keep emergency equipment such as first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the boot.

• If you have a breakdown, don't get out if another motorist stops to help; especially if you are female and in darkness or in secluded areas, roll down the window slightly and ask them to call police or a towing service.

• Be cautious about stopping to help people who appear to be having trouble. If you do stop, roll the window down only slightly, ask what the problem is, and tell them you will send help.

• Never pick up hitchhikers.

• Don't put you name on your car keys.

• Always look in the back seat before unlocking and getting into the car. If there is anything suspicious such as an unrecognized package, do not enter the vehicle or touch any suspicious objects. Call the police.

• If another car attempts to force your car towards the curb, do not stop or go into the curb, median or ditch just to avoid getting hit. Let the other vehicle hit your car if necessary. Honk the horn continuously to attract attention.

• Get the license number and vehicle description and report it to the police on your mobile phone, or drive to a safe place where you can call the police.

• Chauffeurs should be screened before hiring and be trained in evasive driving techniques.

• Chauffeurs should have a prearranged danger signal they can give executives before they enter the vehicle.

• Chauffeurs should not be given advanced notice of executives' destinations or schedules.

• Vary your time and routes to and from work. Follow well-travelled and well-lighted roads.

Important Personal Safety

Introduction

Physically protecting yourself and your family in an ever increasing violent society can be an added pressure to family life. Law Enforcement Authorities no longer provide the level of protection we would like. The safety of ourselves and our families can be greatly enhanced by being aware of simple measures that can be taken.

Topic covered are:

• Countering non-Sexual Attacks
• Countering sexual attacks on adults- outside the home
• Countering Sexual Assaults on Adults - In The Home
• Countering sexual attacks on children
• Countering Street Robbery or Mugging
• Countering Extortion and Blackmail                                               

 

Countering non-Sexual Attacks

• Avoid localities where assaults are known to occur.

• If in such an area, keep to well-lit routes, avoid drunks and noisy groups, adopt a low profile in terms of dress and behaviour, remain alert, walk close to the kerb and avoid bushes or buildings.

• If threatened, run to the nearest well-lit premises, enter and ask the owner for immediate assistance by contacting the police.

• If assaulted, and not trained to resist, scream but if the assault continues feign unconsciousness. Adopt a foetal position on the ground, face down, protecting the head with the arms and the soft parts of the body by tucking the legs up.

• If available use a shrill screech siren to frighten the attacker and immediately run away.

• If trained, resist attack and call for assistance.

• Whatever the circumstances, inform the police immediately.

Countering sexual attacks on adults- outside the home

• Avoid localities where these attacks are known to occur.

• If in such an area keep to well-lit streets, avoid drunks and rowdy persons, adopt as low a profile in terms of dress and behaviour as possible, remain alert, walk close to the kerb and not near bushes or buildings and if possible always have a friend as an escort.

• If threatened, run to the nearest well-lit premises, enter and ask the owner for immediate assistance by contacting the police.

• If escape is impossible scream/shout and continue as long as possible.

• If, because of a threat, shouting is inappropriate, attempt to talk the attacker out of continuing the assault.

• If trying to talk the attacker out of continuing the assault fails, attempt to open your bowels and defecate, or...
  

• Bite the attacker's tongue off if the opportunity is presented, or..

• Stab the eyes of the attacker with fingers, comb or appropriate sharp objects, or..

• Crush the male attacker's genitals using the hand, knee or foot.

• Inform the police immediately.

• Remember, your survival is of paramount importance. If you consider at the time of the assault these countermeasures would reduce the likelihood of survival under no circumstances place yourself at further risk by provoking the attacker.

Countering Sexual Assaults on Adults - In The Home <top>

• As far as practical, use curtains to prevent prowlers being able to look into the premises.
  

• Wherever possible, keep all doors and windows locked.

• Never open the door to a stranger without using a door chain or a restraining bolt.

• If an intruder is in the house, never attempt a confrontation but leave the house immediately and seek help.

• If confronted by an intruder, scream/shout for a neighbour, partner/spouse or family member even if they are absent.

• If attacked and because of threat, shouting seems inappropriate, attempt to talk the attacker out of the assault.

• Inform the police immediately.

Countering sexual attacks on children

• Do not leave young children home alone.
  

• Supervision of children should be by parents, relatives or close friends that are well known to the parents. If used, child minders should be registered, and baby sitters should be over 16 years old with good references and experience.

• Alarm them, young?? Arm them, young OR Young children must be taught never to speak to strangers, to accept any gifts, nor enter strangers' houses or cars. If such offers or invitations are made, the child should immediately inform the parent or teacher.

• Always escort small children to and from school or arrange with another parent in the same class to do so.

• Never let a small child enter its own home unaccompanied; if the parents are absent, arrangements must be made for the child to be collected by relatives or close friends.

• Suspicions about adult behaviour in connection with children must be reported to the police immediately.

• Teach the child to tell its parents, teachers or the nearest policeman, of the presence and behaviour of an adult who is worrying it.

Countering Street Robbery or Mugging <top>

• Avoid localities where muggings are known to occur.

• If in such an area keep to well-lit streets, avoid drunks and rowdy persons, adopt as low a profile in terms of dress and behaviour as possible, remain alert, walk close to the kerb and not near bushes or buildings and if possible always have a friend as an escort.

• Avoid carrying large handbags or wallets. Their obvious presence will attract robbers.

• If threatened, run to the nearest well-lit premises, enter and ask the owner for immediate assistance by contacting the police.

• If escape is impossible, hand over that which is demanded and memorize as full a description of the attacker(s) as possible.

• Inform the police immediately.

Countering Extortion and Blackmail <top>

• When initial demand and threat is made, if the circumstances allow, obtain the following:

• A full description of the person.

• The nature of the demand or demands.

• A few days grace in order to comply with the demand, and face-to-face meeting to hand over valuables.

• Inform the police immediately.

Going Away from Home

Introduction

How secure your property is depends on your attitude towards home security. A positive attitude means making the effort to ensure that the three most important steps listed below are taken.

• Fit reliable locks to all doors and windows.

• Put security markings on all your property.

• Join your local Neighbourhood Support or Community Support Group (Contact your local Crime Prevention Officer.)

Securing your Home

• To all accessible windows, fit Security Stays for ventilation when home. Lock windows when going out.

• Fit locks to accessible windows.

• Install external lighting and alarms as appropriate.

• Lock your letter box with a padlock.

• Lock the garage - a close shackle padlock and strong hasp and staple will provide extra security. Lock the inside with a door bolt.

• Fit locks to any window that opens in your garden shed and a padlock and a strong hasp to the door.

• Back doors are often fitted with a simple 2 lever mortise lock. Fit a 3 or 5 lever lock and install locking bolts. The back of your house is often more vulnerable than the front.

• Secure gates with padlock. Lock ladders and tools in shed or garage.

• Fit a door viewer and a strong security chain.

• Fit a lock with a deadbolt to the door and all other external doors including connecting door between the garage and the house.

• Fit hinge bolts to French doors, top and bottom. Fit sliding door deadlock to sliding patio doors. Fit patio bolts to deck or patio doors.

• Keep shrubs trimmed so that they do not cloak any intruders activities. Display warning signs.

 

Household Security Hardware Survey

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