I came across this article when we just got a security system installed in our house. Earlier we never had any security concerns in Islambad but in past few years we saw 1 in every 5 houses having a security guard of their own. We used to joke that our police force is too busy keeping our VIPs safe from terrorist attacks so there is no one to guard our civil rights. Housebreaking episodes are taking place everywhere in our safe and sleeping city now. I think every neighbourhood should have a close link with each other for their mutual benefit.The following write up is very informative and I decided to share it with all.
By Sqn Ldr S. Ausaf Husain
Criminal activities in the country are at their peak nowadays. Incidents of robberies, housebreakings, kidnapping for ransom, vehicle and cell phone snatching etc have become common, especially in the big cities. Crime rates are on the rise due to the low levels of employments but another reason for the increasing crime rate is the lack of knowledge people have about their personal security and how one needs to react if confronted by criminals while at home.
When the male members of the family leave for their office, housewives are mostly left alone in the house. During this period they become vulnerable to thieves, robbers and other criminals because of the lack of security measures taken at home. At times they also become the prey of dishonest and criminal minded domestic servants.
Basic security tips
When alone in the house observe your house critically from a security point of view and try to find weak areas from where someone can intrude in the house unnoticed. Remove the weakness as soon as it is spotted. Seeking help from a professional security expert would prove helpful. Keep all the doors bolted/locked from inside and ensure that all windows are protected with a grill. The main entrance door of the house should be provided with a chain bolt and a peep hole with a sliding lid through which the identity of a person outside can be checked without opening the door. Similarly, the main entrance door should be reinforced with another iron-bar door.
Consider installing a gate-intercom and if possible a close-circuit television camera at the gate invisible to the outsiders.
Be careful while attending telephone calls from strangers (male or female) and never tell them your name, location of your house or whereabouts of male family members, and be sure to teach your children to do the same. Keep telephone numbers of emergency police, fire brigade and ambulance service, available in the house.
It might seem difficult and time consuming to many but it is important to maintain close contact with your neighbours as they can be a great source of help in an emergency situation. Never let the place where your cash, jewellery and other valuables are kept become known to your domestic servants or any other person outside the family. Be careful while choosing and employing domestic servants. If possible check with their previous employers and find out the reason why they left their previous job. Before employing domestic servants ask them to provide at least two references and keep their original National Identity Cards with you. This will help the police in apprehending them in case they run away after committing a crime in your house. Never allow any stranger – even women and children – to enter your house under any circumstances.
When leaving and returning to your home:
Before leaving your house, even if it’s for a short duration, make sure that all the doors and windows are bolted from inside and the main entrance door is locked from the outside. As soon as you step out of your house look around for any suspicious individuals who seem to be waiting around in a car or a motorbike for no reason. The best idea would be to get back inside your house or go to the next door neighbour and tell them about your observation and seek their assistance. While returning to your home, be vigilant and see that you are not being followed. If you sense that someone is following you, do not go straight to your house, instead go and seek help. On your return if any thing seems to have been tampered with do not enter the house unless you are satisfied that no one is hiding inside.
Theft/Housebreaking
If you suspect someone has broken into your house you should act in the following manner:
* Avoid a confrontation
* Call the police
* Sneak out of the house, use the windows if necessary
* Pretend to be sound asleep if the intruder is very near to you.
* If possible lock the door of the room in which you are at that time and try to contact someone for help
* If the intruders knock at the door and ask you to open it, try to delay them on some pretext so that you get some more time in getting rescued
* If the intruders breaks-open the door, stay calm and don’t fight them. Always remember that the thief is under a great deal of stress and his anxiety level is extremely high. You cannot expect a thief to be rational while he is committing a crime and he may also be under the influence of drugs, narcotics or alcohol
* If a confrontation is unavoidable then be calm – however difficult it maybe one needs to force oneself to talk in a slow and low voice
* Do not volunteer to give him/them anything but allow them to take what they want.
A hostage situation can be avoided by the following actions: -
* Do not antagonise the intruders or talk back
* Try to casually mention the impending arrival of guests, other family members or servants so they know someone is coming for you.
* If you are attacked use natural defences and fight back.
* If in possession of a licensed private arm use it for self defence.
To feel safe while alone at home, you need to have the basic knowledge of security precautions to be taken in various situations. Similarly, you should also take interest in learning self defence techniques to build up your confidence. A great deal of tension and anxiety caused by the prevailing fear of dacoits and other criminals can be cut down by taking preventive measures against them well in time. But remember, that in every emergency situation common sense is undeniably the best weapon.
