Checkmate Security Services BW

09/12/2016

Safety Tips during holidays.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we are left with many decisions and preparations to make before packing our trailers and making our way to our holiday destinations. Ensuring the security of family and property is a key priority at this time.
Personal Safety Tips For the Holidays

•Advise your security company if you are going away and ensure that you supply all the necessary information regarding nearby key holders, in case of an emergency
•Inform your neighbours of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property
•Stop all newspaper deliveries and ask a friend or neighbour to collect your post. A bulging post box is a dead giveaway that you are not at home
•If hiring a house sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly
•Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home
•Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks
•Never leave a key in the inside of an outer door which has glass panels or glass near the door lock
•Having security gates fitted on outer doors is a highly effective security measure that gives you an extra line of defence - install antilifts on the gates
•Sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Make sure that sliding doors cannot be lifted vertically
•Full fencing and sturdy gates are a good deterrent
•Have good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer
•Do not leave tools like ladders or spades outside, as they can be used to break into your house
•Clear signage indicating that you have security also helps to discourage burglars

Please note that this is just a guide by Checkmate security services BW, you'll follow this guide at your own risk....
For extras kindly refer to our page

02/08/2016

NB: this info is shared by Checkmate Security Services as advice only, we do not own any rights over this data, it may have come from other sources from the internet or anywhere else with/without copyright, take our advice at your own risk, we shall not be liable for anything in relation to our posts. E&OE

Safety at home and business premises
Fences/Walls
A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.
The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.
The following devices prevent easy access:
• Window bars
• Security doors
• Security gates
• Razor wire
• Additional locking devices on doors
• Strengthening of doors
• Peepholes in the doors
• Safety chains to doors
• Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or . garage

Alarm Systems
An alarm system, preferably connected to a response company, can act as an effective deterrent, but even no response company its useful to alert you or your neighbours.
In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/panic button in the house, is recommended.
A few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed- if you aren’t connected to a response company make your panic buttons to activate the siren DO NOT MAKE THEM SILENT.
An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.
Examples of alarm systems:
• Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)
• Improvised systems
• Threaded tins
• Threaded pieces of iron
• Obstacles that can make a noise when moved

Avoid full pavement or lawn in/around the yard, leave some with soft soil so that intruders footsteps or car tyre tracks can be seen without a struggle, let your neighbours know you’re the cars you drive and license plates and possible commoners incase you aint home so that when they see strange cars in / by your house they can notify you
Biological Systems:
Dogs
Geese
Ostriches

Security Lights
Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.
The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.
Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.
Safety Precautions
Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house, and small dogs as poddles, jack russels are very noisy and may alert you in case of strangers-advisable to be kept indoors, they also acts as catalysts to big dogs.
If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used against you in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
Vary your daily routine and times stamps, access roads to and from your home.
Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights, Remain awake for a while so that you can hear possible break ins who could be waiting by. If you are a heavy sleeper always drink liquids-not alcohol though when going to bed.
You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep, also use heavy think / dark curtains to support the idea of invisibility from outside.
When going to bed do not switch off the bedroom (or the room you sleep in) last so that possible intruders can’t easily spot the room you sleep in as it can help them in planning silent entry into your premises. E.g. prepare your bedroom in advance before going to sleep.
Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position, in addition don’t put you phones facing down, as for your other portable gadgets keep them away from your windows and nearby doors
If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, eg your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home, and contact your neighbours to assist you in securing your home – Hoping you are / will be in good terms when the time comes.
Join neighbourhood watches for ease of assistance.
Identify relatively safe places of refuge, ie: bathroom, toilet or storeroom, make sure you always have a sedilame in that place with minimum necessary airtime incase of emergencies
The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.

For Businesses as well.
Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.
Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing where necessary and less risky.
Report suspicious behaviour and information to the Police
Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
Take photographs of all employees- if they are uncomfortable let it be known that the photos are to be used by H.R and use only Passport photos not full body as they aren’t very professional in most cases, it could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime, this will encourage them to keep up.
Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
Keep copies of all your employees - Identity Documents (ID's).

Access and Key Control
Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identifying the person, especially at night.
Implement proper key control measures.
Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/door access can be gained.
Keys to the safe must be kept by one person for ease of responsibility should the keys go missing have the lock changed immediately regardless of the reasons.
Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal-people are also advised to use cylinder locks than old traditional lock with key numbers as one can easily buy the keys by identifying theem with their numbers
Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers and never leave them idling, have a hook for them by the keyholders waist in the pants otherwise a key chain which looks formal may be used to have the keys around the neck.
Insert barring devices in door locks.
Remove keys from doors when leaving, even for some few seconds

Communication
There should be two systems for alternative back up:
Telephone
Cellular phone
Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone, rather they Must say you are cooking or bathing and you can’t come to the phone and then they should take the message, and they should Never share their names or your names to anyone especially over the phone and should never let the conversation stall for any reason they must hang up right away.

18/03/2016

NB: this info is shared by Checkmate Security Services as advice only, we do not own any rights over this data, it may have come from other sources from the internet or anywhere else with/without copyright, take our advice at your own risk, we shall not be liable for anything in relation to our posts.

Child safety (for Parents):
1. Make sure you Children know their full name(s) - Including Parents full names, telephone number(s) and Physical address(es)
2. Ensure that your children know how to contact you incase of emergency work line and even the police.
3. When children are alone at home, they should tell people who phone that you are there, but that you are busy (cooking or cleaning, or you in the toilet) and you cannot come to the phone. The person who is phoning, can phone back later. Teach your child to end any telephone calls with strangers immediately and hang up the telephone if he/she continues to talk.
4. When children are home alone, they should find out the identity of the person who comes to the door, without opening the door.
5. If a stranger is at the door, teach your children to tell the stranger that you are busy and that he/she should go away and come back later.
6. Teach and encourage your child not to engage in conversation with the visitor. encourage him/her to phone an emergency number if If the child feels threatened,
7. Emergency numbers could be your telephone number at work, that of the police or a trusted neighbour.
8. If it is at all possible, children should play and walk with other children especially to and from school or any other destination.
9. Children should always ask your permission before accepting gifts from strangers.
10. In order to avoid situations where strangers may approach him/her alone, such as an unsupervised play area, empty lots, abandoned buildings, bushy areas of parks or riverbeds, children should run home or to the nearest public place or a friend’s home if someone is making them uncomfortable.
11. Children must know that adults, especially strangers, rarely ask children for help in finding things or for directions. Explain to your child that men and women are strangers.
12. Children must know that if he/she/they become separated from you or any guardian in a store or shopping mall, he/she/they must go to a store employee or cashier for help immediately.
13. You must know where your children are at all times. Know their friends and be clear with them about the places and homes they may visit.
14. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, whether it is running or not.
15. Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you they do not want to be with someone or go somewhere - and try to gather reasons why not.
16. Notice when anyone shows your child a great deal of attention or begins giving gifts. Ask your child about the person and find out why that person is behaving that way. also assk whenever your child has items you haven`t bought them
17. Teach your children that they have the right to refuse any unwelcome, uncomfortable or confusing touch or actions by others and get out of those situations as quickly as possible. If they cannot leave, children should be taught to kick, scream and resist by yelling loudly, "This person is not my father/mother/guardian" and then immediately tell you what happened.
18. Be sensitive to any changes in your children's behaviour or attitude. Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener. If your children tell you about problems, try to stay calm, be reassuring, and non-judgmental. Work with them to get help to resolve the problem even if they are at fault
19. Practice basic safety skills with your children. Make an outing to a mall or park an educational experience in which your children practise checking with you, going to the bathroom with a friend and finding adults who may be able to help if they need assistance.
20. Do not let your children wear clothing or carry items that bear their names in public. It makes it too easy for a stranger to approach them.
21. Encourage your child to always notify you of routine people or activities they observe when home, or on the way home , etc, e.g. people who seat or wonder in a particular place at certain times, cars which keep driving around.
22. Incase of any unpleasant situation, Teach your child to always capture the identifying and distinguishing features of a car or person, like tattoos, skin tone, height, etc, cars: plate numbers,color make and model, driver description...
23. lastly try not to lock your child in the house alone give her the keys incase of certain emergencies like fire, medical situations etc, otherwise dont leave them alone at all...

08/01/2016

https://m.facebook.com/148228411926492/photos/a.336021353147196.78460.148228411926492/922999931115999/?type=3

MISSING PERSONS - HELP FIND SEILWA

Police are appealing to the public to help trace 15 -year- old Tshegofatso Seilwa of Modimo ward in Letlhakeng who went missing on (4/1/16)

She left home with her mother Gomotsegang Seilwa on the same day coming to Molepolole but later went missing. She left wearing a blue jean skirt, floral top, putting on pink push in and a silver hand bracelet labelled Major 1.

She is dark in complexion and reported to be mentally stable.

06/12/2015

Although most people who come to your door will be genuine, not all are. If a burglar can get into your home without having to go to the effort of breaking in, they may try. Taking these extra safety precautions will help you avoid being duped by a potential burglar.

What is a Bogus caller/seller?

Bogus callers/sellers are people who pretend to be someone they are not, like a workman, or a member of staff from a utility company. Such people could be looking to commit a distraction burglary: they want to trick their way into your home in order to commit any possible criminal act. Always be cautious about any unknown man, woman, or child who comes to your door, without arranging it with you first (advice your baby sitters, your visitors not to let strangers in, let them always confirm with you first, while that suspected person is waiting OUTSIDE. in addition do not let your kids play with the intercom and gate remote and do not be lazy and ask them to open the gate, next time they may open for strangers when you aren`t aware). It is advised to install intercom with a video viewer to be able to Identify people who knock.
Always have your burglar door locked and keys put out of sight.

When anyone claiming to be from a service company comes to the door, always ask for their ID (company ID and National ID if necessary) and call the customer services department to confirm it. Any genuine caller will not mind waiting. Always try memorize the person appearance to that you will be able to give their description should it be necessary.

27/07/2015

Hello all: cars are being stole at ana alarming rate nowadays... One might wanna consider getting themself something like this... It's a steering wheel locker made from pure steel... It avoids rotation of the steering wheel when it's secure properly it may totally save your car from being stolen or lessen the get away time of your car... Sometimes a criminal may just give up or decided not to attempt your car as this will force him to fiddle with your car leading to attraction of attention coz obviously if you are the owner of the car you don't have to struggle with it... You just gotta unlock it with ease...

16/07/2015

Aggressive driving is a major concern and a real threat to the safety of all road users. Any unsafe driving behaviour, performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving. In extreme cases, this may escalate to road rage, which is a violent criminal act involving the intention to cause physical harm. Here are a few tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers, plus helpful hints to reduce your own stress while driving.
Protect yourself: If you are dealing with an aggressive driver, make sure your car’s doors are locked. If you are stopped in the traffic, leave enough room to pull out from behind the car you are following. If an aggressive driver confronts you, drive to the nearest police station, try not to speed as the attacker can easily distract you and even lead to a harmful accident.
Do not take it personally: Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver is not. Avoid any conflict, if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and move out of the way. Never underestimate the other driver's capacity for causing harm.
Reduce your own stress: Understand that you cannot control the traffic, only your reaction to it. In the end, you may find that personal frustration, anger and impatience are the real danger zones on the highway.
Be a courteous driver: You can set a good example, which can help make our roads safer.
• Control your anger.
• Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.
• Do not make obscene gestures.
• Do not follow too close.
• Use your horn sparingly — even a polite honk can be misinterpreted.

04/06/2015

Vehicle Crime TIPS: Culprits do not care about how much of a bad day you are having they will hit you hard whenever the opportunity rises. see some basics to assist you...

Ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly through a reputable garage this is particularly important before any long journey or before winter.

Take the time to learn some basic vehicle maintenance. Its good practice to check over your vehicle at regular intervals using the Acronym “FLOWER”.

Fuel - do you have sufficient for your intended journey ?
Lights - does everything work ?
Oil - have you checked the Oil level ?
Water - does your radiator have enough water and coolant ?
Electrics - have all the warning lights on your dash gone out ?
Rubber - are your tyres inflated correctly and have sufficient tread?

When in traffic or travelling slowly through urban areas ensure your central locking is activated and try to keep your windows up and your arms inside the vehicle. If you put your bag or belongings in the foot well and not on the seat it makes it harder for someone to reach in and take your bag.
It’s a good idea to tell someone where you are going, the intended route you will take and arrange to call them when you arrive at your destination.
Consider joining a breakdown organization especially if you make regular long journeys or if your vehicle is older. If you are a member make sure you have your membership details with you when travelling.
Try to avoid picking up hitchhikers, you won’t know who you are letting inside your car.
Whatever vehicle you choose try to be courteous to all other road users and avoid driving or riding aggressively.
Please be aware of Emergency vehicles, give them plenty of room to pass safely and do not follow closely behind them.
Use your headlights in a smart manner, dim and bright whenever visibility compromised so that other road users can see you and avoid following too close to the vehicle in front.

common items stolen from vehicles;

1. Electrical items - Laptops, portable navigation units and mobile phones

2. Unattended bags left in view

3. Number plates

4. Alloy wheels

31/05/2015

Travel Safety Tips
1. Keep handbags and bags fastened closed and wallets in inside pockets
2. Keep cash, mobile phones, MP3 players and other high value property such as laptops out of sight
3. Keep your luggage with you at all times - this helps avoid unnecessary security alerts and delays
4. Report any Suspicious activity immediately to a member of staff, a police officer
5. When going to certain place, make sure you have planned for your travel in order to avoid being vulnerable when asking for directions, e.g. moving around the same location several times, asking for directions
6. Use well-lit and safe routes to and from locations and not short cuts (passages) – always plan your journey home before you set out. Look confident and walk or drive purposefully to your destination.
7. When traveling try to sit with other passengers and avoid broadcasting your route and / or travel plans even over the phone, some of the passengers can be opportunists
8. Avoid taking intoxicants when traveling or when you have to travel after that, this is likely to make you vulnerable.
9. Always be observant of your surroundings, @ intersections, Traffic lights, be on the look out for pple who could be pretending to cross the road, making calls and getting too close to your car (peeking through the windows
10. When driving especially , keep an eye on the colour of the traffic light ahead, when its red reduce your speed such that when you arrive at the traffic light, the robot has changed to green, look out for cars that get too close to you and also approach you at high speed. make it habit to always use mirrors when stationery
11. when stopping at intersections, or traffic lights etc, make sure you leave enough space between you and the car in-front so that you can easily escape if need be. ( but not too that a combi man or another car can easily slide infront of and immobilize you... an intersection or straffic stop isnt an opportunity to use your phone, but for others cars, remain and stay attentive to decrease the probability of you being robbed or possible accident

25/05/2015

The things a thieve wont tell you but should take into consideration:

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming systems they have so il come back to satisfy my curiosity.

4. Yes, I really do look at / surveil items that normally lie around your yard to see how careful, attentive and observant you are.

5. Hey, iv observed that you and your friends normally park your car outside the yard when you think youl take a minute forgetting both of you talk too much and stay over a minute which a perfect opportunity for me to take advantage of your kindness

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy, in addition when arming or disarming your alarm make sure your visitors arent aware of the combination, just ask them to wait outside,

7. A good security company allows you to put contact on windows without saying they are trying to avoid false alarms because i can see when there are no alarm contacts on the windows which is perfect for me

8. It’s raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your yard. (Don't take me up on it.) try o be aggressive but not offensive if you suspect me.

10. Do you really think I won't look in your chest of drawers, in between the bed your metress and bed, thats your favourite place to put electronic devices

11. I always check the freezer—and not just for food!

12. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms but when im desperate im in.

13. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

14. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, alternatively activate on / off timer on your tv but the volume should be too loud

15. Sometimes I carry a clipboard. Sometimes I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

16. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors who dont mind their business alone normally they disturb me.

17. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

18. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

19. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat-screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the curtains, just to pick my targets.

20. Avoid announcing your vacation or trips on your page. It's easier than you think to look up your address, we are also part of those social groups as well.

21. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

22. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in while you are in the toilet or kitchen leaving your smart phone on the table and laptop on the side of couch and believe me il sell them for less than P1000.00 while you struggle to pay that installment ko Home corp, HI-fi etc.

23. If I am ambitious enough to invade your home while you are there, you may want to consider “answering” my door knock through the door: “Hello—who are you—no, I don’t want any—go away or I’ll call the police.” And I will go away. So do not open it! If I hear your voice speaking with me, I will move on to another home that may let me in.

24. Maybe I will work with someone claiming to distribute those flyers from bo Shoprite and other shops. I always know when someone is home by knocking on the door.

25. il look for recent tyre marks, footprints to see if there really is someone home or you are away for sometime

26. Those car keys you left in the ignition or on the hook in the garage allow me to drive away from your house in luxury with your property and your car.

27. I love computer laptops; they're easy to carry and easy to sell. those are my favourite toys i prefer.

28. I love homes that are not well lit! Or homes with overgrown bushes so I can hide if someone walks or drives by. Have adequate exterior lighting...

29. And when I get rid of what I have stolen, I know that hardly anyone keeps serial numbers or has engraved their ID on anything anymore. Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home. This is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters, too

30. And I love neighborhoods where the neighbors do not talk to one another. They have no idea what’s going on!

NB: this info is shared by Checkmate Security Services as advice only, we do not own any rights over these data it may have come from other sources from the internet with/without copyright, take our advice at your own risk we shall not be liable for anything in relation to our posts.

23/05/2015

Safety Tip: When you have people working at your house repairing something, delivering something, parties etc it is advisable to keep your belongings out of sight e.g. Remove your TV, pc etc from sight hide them in a room you you know when won't go into...

If someone is at the door you have the right to stop them from entering the house and peeping... Meet them by the door and close the door behind you... In addition avoid putting your items in the line of sight with the the door or window.
When sleeping make it a habit to drink lots of water (over night) if you are a deep sleeper, the water will make you go to the toilet and you may disturb the possible break ins,surveilling thieves,etc...

Avoid bragging about your property at the house, avoid broadcasting your work hours patterns, arriving and departing times to and from home...

20/03/2015

When installing a cctv please put it in a level of an average height to be able to see capture the suspect/s face/s unless they are wearing a mask. In addition please install cctvs for 1000 tvl or more because they are much more clearer (im terms of resolution)