Personal Safety

As home burglary becomes more difficult, criminals turn to other means to make money. This can lead to such crimes as personal assault, handbag snatching and home invasion. Included in this section are some general security tips to help better protect yourself and your family, while at home or out and about, as well as some tips on vehicle security.

At Home
Unfortunately, burglaries can occur whilst someone is at home. A simple thing such as leaving an outside door open when rushing across to the neighbours can provide just enough time for an intruder to get inside. Always keep your doors and windows locked!

A few tips to remember

• Do not enter your home if you see traces of forced entry. Go to a neighbour’s, contact the police and note the description of any unknown cars or people near your home.
• Should you detect an intruder, do not confront them. Panic can sometimes turn a petty theft into a more dangerous crime.
• If a stranger requests to use your phone, make the call for them.
• Don’t let them inside. If they claim to have an emergency such as their car breaking down, take their details with your security door closed and make the phone call on their behalf.
• Never advise a stranger that you are at home on your own.
• Identification cards are required for all legitimate companies. If you are at all unsure about a person at your front door, take down their identification details, and ensure you lock the door before telephoning their company for verification.
• If you receive a nuisance telephone call, say nothing and hang up the phone fast. If they continue, contact the police and your telephone company. Also consider installing a telephone answering machine or a phone with caller identification so that you can screen your calls before answering them.
• Do not give personal information to an unknown caller, even if they claim to be from a legitimate organisation. If you have any doubts, ask to take their contact details and telephone them back.
• Turn your ADT monitored security system on for perimeter protection.
• Make sure you know where your panic button is on your ADT monitored security system. This can be activated using a panic key on the keypad or the panic button on your remote control.
• Remember your duress code. This code deactivates your alarm should you be asked to turn your monitored security alarm off under duress. However, the code sends a signal to the monitoring centre that you have been forced to deactivate your alarm. ADT will alert the emergency services for you.

You can learn more about monitored security systems by checking out the ADT Life Safety Solutions available to you.