HOME SECURITY IN BOTHASIG SAPS PRECINCT
BY JAN BOTHA, CPF VICE-CHAIRPERSON
SECURITY STARTS WITH A MINDSET:
In Bothasig, Edgemead and Richwood, we are fortunate to live in strong communities, but opportunistic crime remains a reality. The best defence is proactive thinking. If you were looking at your own home from the outside. Where would you try to get in?
START AT YOUR BOUNDARY:
Walk your property as if you were assessing it for entry.
• Are tree branches hanging over your wall?
• Are there low walls that make wall-jumping easier?
• Does thick vegetation provide cover near windows or doors?
That beautiful bougainvillea may look great, but it can also provide concealment.
Criminals look for quick wins. Remove them.
LIGHTING IS A DETERRENT:
Darkness creates opportunity.
Assess your property at night and look for shadows around:
• Gates
• Side passages
• Rear entrances
• Driveways
Install motion-sensor lights and consider solar backup lighting during power outages.
Visibility reduces risk.
STRENGTHEN PHYSICAL BARRIERS:
Your gate and doors must withstand force.
• Invest in strong gates rather than cheaper alternatives.
• Ensure locks, hinges and frames are secure.
• Address low boundary vulnerabilities where necessary.
Barriers buy time and time discourages criminals.
TEST YOUR ALARM SYSTEM:
Technology only works if it works properly.
• Test panic buttons regularly.
• Check response times.
• Service backup batteries at least twice a year.
• Start small and expand coverage with PIRs or beams as budget allows.
Layered security is more effective than relying on one measure alone.
COMMUNITY MATTERS:
The Bothasig SAPS precinct benefits from active community safety structures and security companies that partner with Bothasig SAPS.
But real security starts at home. When residents take responsibility for their own risk assessments, the entire precinct becomes harder to target.
SECURITY IS A MINDSET:
It is not a once-off installation.
It is continuous awareness.
Tonight, walk your property.
Look at it differently.
Fix one vulnerability.
Prevention is always cheaper than recovery.
