Have you driven around your suburb and seen properties with very low walls or no walls at all; the sprawling lawn leading from the road to the front door? It may give you shivers down your spine but it is more common than you think that people do not have proper perimeter protection.

Fidelity ADT has issued a warning to Gauteng residents on a growing trend. Suspects are targeting vulnerable properties and stealing tyres and rims of cars parked in yards.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT says “Within the Fidelity ADT footprint there is a growing trend where suspects are stealing tyres from cars parked in yards during the night. The suspects sneak in, remove the tyres, throw them over the wall, and leave.’

The suspects are highly skilled and very silent. They typically scout the area during the day, sometimes even poisoning dogs, and then return later to steal your Rims & Tyres. This is not a random act, says Hattingh. We urge all residents not become complacent when it comes to your perimeter security.

She offered the following safety measure to consider:

• The height of the wall plays a significant role. The lower the wall the easier for suspects to throw stolen tyres over your wall.
• Lighting & visibility – A well-lit yard can deter potential thieves
• Dogs on your property – If you have dogs, they should be able to see the gate but not reach it. This protects them from any sort of poison that may be thrown into your yard by suspects. It’s important that residents take a walk around their garden and check for any strange objects before letting your dogs out.
• Don’t be complacent – When you close your gate, out the chain and padlock on. It may seem like a hassle but it could be the deterrent from you being targeted.
• Beams – are a great early warning system if they are connected, monitored, and functional

6 things that make a house an easy target:

1. No wall or fencing.
2. Low walls.
3. Gates left open.
4. Garage doors left open.
5. A clear view from the street into the house.
6. No electric fencing or other form of additional security on walls.

In conclusion, Hattingh says it is important to remember that criminals shift and change their patterns and behaviour all the time. Therefore, homeowners also need to keep up with trends and improved ways to secure their homes.