A 2017 Security Report by RAA Insurance has revealed a surprising number of home heroes who are ready to act to protect their property as well as their neighbours’.
The survey of RAA’s 899 members has revealed that males are more likely to respond to security threats, with 58% prepared to investigate a strange noise at night compared to the average 41%.
“Home invasion is an area where people are feeling increasingly threatened and it’s concerning that SAPOL statistics show a 7% in serious criminal trespass (those reported or known to the police from March 2016 to February 2017) in the home, while instances of other violent offences are decreasing,” said Travis Murphy from RAA secure services.
“Despite the obvious risks, 38% of male respondents said they would actually confront a burglar at their home with 14% of females saying the same.”
Murphy said the survey also shows high levels of concern for the safety of neighbours, with a quarter of the respondents saying they would investigate an unknown person at a neighbour’s house, while another 14% said they’d be prepared to confront a burglar at their neighbour’s house – both figures are again for male respondents.
To reduce the risk of being targeted by intruders, Murphy advises homeowners to secure the perimeter of their property with things like locks, security, doors, shutter, or even a big dog.
In case the intruders do get into their property, homeowners are urged to exercise caution and restraint, especially since the intruders could be armed or drug-affected, which greatly increases their unpredictability and volatility.
“Stay calm, give them what they want and try to keep some distance between you and them. Remember, the safety of you and your family is paramount,” said Murphy.
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