Home security

[kalevra]

I've got a cluster home in Kyalami Hills. One electric gate at the main entrance, no security guard \ controlled access. Each owner has a remote for the gate. We have a security guard guarding the cul de sac (there are a few complexes in the cul de sac).

Our complex was recently broken into during the day last week Monday, they robbed two units. Luckily we weren't targeted. My gf works from home and so I'm obviously concerned for her safety etc. We have an ADT linked alarm but a lot can happen between a panick button being hit and ADT arriving.

What's the best approach in ensuring your home is well protected. Can I get ADT out to do an assessment and give advice (are they knowledgeable enough for me to trust them with this). Who's the best at providing security solutions or doing a proper assessment?

I want to have the best security I can get.

Thoughts?

 

[d7e7r7]

I've got a cluster home in Kyalami Hills. One electric gate at the main entrance, no security guard \ controlled access. Each owner has a remote for the gate. We have a security guard guarding the cul de sac (there are a few complexes in the cul de sac).

Our complex was recently broken into during the day last week Monday, they robbed two units. Luckily we weren't targeted. My gf works from home and so I'm obviously concerned for her safety etc. We have an ADT linked alarm but a lot can happen between a panick button being hit and ADT arriving.

What's the best approach in ensuring your home is well protected. Can I get ADT out to do an assessment and give advice (are they knowledgeable enough for me to trust them with this). Who's the best at providing security solutions or doing a proper assessment?

I want to have the best security I can get.

Thoughts?

Get a firearm for yourself and one for your gf. It will take you about 3 months but the sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll have it.

 

[kalevra]

Get a firearm for yourself and one for your gf. It will take you about 3 months but the sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll have it.

Interesting debate of its own. What are the statistics when it comes to firearms? Are firearms an effective means of protecting? Is the gun around when you need it? How many ppl have had their own guns used on them?

I'd want to know all this before going down that path. Although I must say I would feel safer inside knowing I had a firearm as a means of self defence.

 

[Spies69]

Consider the following:
Mobile panic button that she can carry on her
Trillidoor to separate floors
Alarm zones, so that see can activate parts of the house that she doesn't use
Perimeter alarm

Just be careful on getting a quote, ADT and other like to quote you on a whole new system where a few additions would have worked.

Not a big fan of the gun thing, mine will probably lie in the safe in which case I'll never get to it before they get to me.

 

[d7e7r7]

Interesting debate of its own.

I'd want to know all this before going down that path. Although I must say I would feel safer inside knowing I had a firearm as a means of self defence.

What are the statistics when it comes to firearms?

I don't have the statistics on hand but I'm sure someone may be able to present these...

Are firearms an effective means of protecting?

I feel firearms are an effective means of protecting yourself and your family, provided you always carry it with you and train in using it.

Is the gun around when you need it?

If you carry it, then it should be on your hip when you need it

How many ppl have had their own guns used on them?

I don't have those stats either...

Consider the following:
Mobile panic button that she can carry on her
Trillidoor to separate floors
Alarm zones, so that see can activate parts of the house that she doesn't use
Perimeter alarm

Just be careful on getting a quote, ADT and other like to quote you on a whole new system where a few additions would have worked.

Not a big fan of the gun thing, mine will probably lie in the safe in which case I'll never get to it before they get to me.

That's why you get a comfortable holster and a decent belt and keep it on you at all times, it's no use in the safe when trouble comes visiting...

 

[ukj]

Interesting debate of its own. What are the statistics when it comes to firearms? Are firearms an effective means of protecting? Is the gun around when you need it? How many ppl have had their own guns used on them?

I'd want to know all this before going down that path. Although I must say I would feel safer inside knowing I had a firearm as a means of self defence.

You should never use statistics to weigh odds over which you have control. Yes - firearms are effective. If you have it when you need it and you know how to use it. They are a tool and like any tool you get varying degrees of skill. Mindset, training, prior planning for possible scenarios and sufficient time to react all increase your odds of success if you are forced to use it.

That's why real security is not about electric fences, alarms, panic buttons and laser beams, but rather it's about effective layers and early warning - the earlier you know somebody is there, and the longer it takes them to get through all layers and to you - the more time you have to react. If the alarm and shouting doesn't deter them and ADT/SAPS doesn't come to your rescue in time the firearm is your last line of defense.

 

[ukj]

Consider the following:
Not a big fan of the gun thing, mine will probably lie in the safe in which case I'll never get to it before they get to me.

You've already identified the problem, why don't you fix it?

 

[dunkyd]

Forget the gun !!!!! Maybe 1% of gunowners will shoot them.
Concentrate on the gate. I can buy a remote anywhere and go through your gate without even stopping
Think about a better coded entrance that changes codes daily.
Biggest problem are the people allowed in. Garden/maids.

 

[AstroTurf]

Just secure your entrances and access points. Make it a habit to keep them locked and secure your perimeter for when you are outdoors.

 

[froot]

Get a firearm for yourself and one for your gf. It will take you about 3 months but the sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll have it.

What he said.

 

[Hemi300c]

In Pta East most of the complex burglaries come from tenants who rent. They move in with a 1400 Bakkie and move out with a removal truck. People in complexes have a false sense of security now days.
Best is to improve your security compared to your neighbours.
B/bars S/gates alarm panic buttons and perimeter protection.

 

[UIT]

Call Maxidor, they come out and do a full house assessment and make suggestions based on possible weak/vulnerable areas around your home...Guy that came to quote me offered some really great advise....

 

[ElementZero]

In Pta East most of the complex burglaries come from tenants who rent. They move in with a 1400 Bakkie and move out with a removal truck. People in complexes have a false sense of security now days.
Best is to improve your security compared to your neighbours.
B/bars S/gates alarm panic buttons and perimeter protection.

Agreed , I have lived in a few complexes and most of the break ins were from guys living in the complex. they watch units during the day and target those ones which are easy to break into

 

[Tacet]

My home security currently consists of high quality burglar proofing, security access at the gates, and a gun which I'm training with. I don't see the point of armed security - I've seen them trying to get into the complex before and by the time they manage to get in I'll be long dead if that was the criminal's intent. In an emergency situation, even the normal 5-10 minutes they or the police take to arrive will be far too long to save your life.

So, try to keep them out. Make sure that you have proper burglar proofing that's bolted into the wall and not merely welded onto the window frame. If you can, get a dog. While a dog might not be a great deterrent anymore, it could at least wake you. And, get yourself and your GF firearms, and train with it. Obviously you hope to never use it, but I'd rather sit in my room hoping that they'll only take the TV with a gun in the hand, than without it.