South Africans are fed-up with having to plan their entire lives around power outages and load shedding schedules. To add to this frustration “power cuts are crime opportunities” according to a SAPS report quoted by The Daily Maverick (SAPS and Eskom in Crisis: Caryn Dolley: 22 February 2023). The good news is that physical barriers can help keep you safe at home and work without power.
“Robbery or house breaking during load shedding is becoming more than just an urban legend. We’ve all heard the stories of robbers that walk in to take TV’s, computers, and jewellery, knowing the electronic security doesn’t work. Or phone calls to the SAPS or security companies going unanswered because of a lack of power,” said Bronwyn Littley, Trellidor Marketing Manager.
“The simple solution to staying safe at the office or home is to have physical security barriers on all doors and windows, and to keep these locked especially when there is no power. Security barriers are ‘always on’ with or without power.”
WAYS TO SECURE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS DURING LOAD SHEDDING
Burglar proofing is sometimes called the ‘last line of defence’ because it is the final obstacle to criminals that have deactivated all other security measures. But during load shedding, security gates and burglar bars are actually the first line of defence because they protect people and possessions whether there is power or not.
Here are some easy ways of ensuring you’re safe at all times, not just when the power is out.
- INSTALL SLIDING GATES ON ALL DOORS THAT LEAD OUTSIDE
Steel and aluminium sliding gates are still the most effective ways of keeping criminals out of your home or business. Remember that quality varies considerably between different suppliers, so make sure you’re buying superior quality gates if you’re serious about safety.To help fight the rising cost of living, Trellidor has added two new affordable sliding gate designs to their range. These are Trojan TX and Trojan Classic. They both look similar to the original Trellidor sliding trellis gates that South Africans are familiar with. But these are new products.
- The Trojan TX has been remodelled for reliable strength and positioned at an attractive price.
- The Trojan Classic is a step up in strength and cost but well within reach of those that need strong, dependable burglar proofing to help prevent house breaking, a home invasion, or business crime.
Both trellis gate models are typical Trellidor-quality products with attention to ease-of-use details. They slide smoothly and have a compact sash that stacks neatly to the side. The strong lock engages in several locking points using just one key.
- FIT BURGLAR BARS TO ALL WINDOWS
With burglar bars on all your windows, you don’t have to be nervous about who is getting inside your home while you’re busy elsewhere. Burglar proofing is not dependent on a power source. It is always in place, doing its job. All you have to do is remember to keep them closed and locked if they’re the type that can be opened up, much like security gates for doors.Gone are the days when people thought they could save money by securing just the downstairs windows, or just the windows that open. Robbers now have the tools to remove unprotected glass panes and the experience to get into even the smallest, highest windows.The lesson here is to make sure all windows are protected. Cost can be a problem but not if you choose products like:
- Trellidor Burglar Guard in three different design choices
- Trellidor Trojan TX or Trojan Classic in the fixed format, or even the sliding gates, which can be made for windows as well as doors
- Trellidor Poly Guard fully framed Polycarbonate bars
- Trellidor ShutterView SD louvre shutters
- Trellidor GriffinGuard security screens
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GriffinGuard is the newest entry into the Trellidor security screen range. These are reasonably priced, framed, see-through screens that are hardly noticeable once fitted to cover windows or doors. Thieves, insects, monkeys, and baboons can’t get through the screens, so you’re safe from theft, mosquito bites, and primates making a mess of your kitchen.
“This product doesn’t look like burglar proofing at all, so it’s perfect for secure estates that have rules in place about the external appearance of homes. And the price is attractive for people who love the look but don’t need the high security version,” said Bronwyn.
- GET MANUAL OVERRIDE FOR AUTOMATED ROLLER SHUTTERS
Aluminium roller shutters are a great way of creating a safe zone at home or at work. This becomes your safe haven at night or when you hear intruders breaking into another part of the building.Automated shutters, however, need a manual override system or battery back-up to stop you being trapped behind them during power outages. Make sure you check the availability of these options with your supplier before purchasing this type of shutter.
- GET LOUVRE SHUTTERS THAT DOUBLE UP AS SECURITY
Louvre shutters are often installed as a purely decorative window treatment. Since Trellidor entered the market, however, people have realised that these shutters can do double duty as a security barrier. This makes them very cost effective.There are different options within the Trellidor range, so pick the one that works best for your needs and budget. For example, one model is designed as high security and can withstand a serious attack. Another is more suited to secure estates, where it provides protection at a lower cost.
- USE THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR TRELLIDOR FRANCHISE FOR THE BEST RESULTS
Trellidor has been securing South Africans for over four decades and our franchises have a wealth of experience for people to draw on. At times like these when budgets are stretched, crime is escalating, and we all just want a little peace and quiet, it makes sense to get expert advice.
When you call a franchise, you’ll get an appointment with a sales consultant who will visit your home or business. Tell them what you need, what budget you have available, and ask for a plan to achieve your security goals. They will offer advice and help you get what you need at a price you can afford.
“Power outages will be with us for some time to come and with the right type of protective barriers on your doors and windows, at least you’ll have peace of mind when the lights go out,” says Bronwyn.
