Most home break-ins exploit easy opportunities — an unlocked door, an open window, a predictable routine. Closing those gaps makes your home a far less attractive target. These are simple habits the K105 team recommends to every household.
Lock up properly — every time
- Always lock external doors and securely fasten windows.
- When retiring to bed, lock interleading doors of rooms that are not occupied.
- Lock security gates from the inside, not just the door behind them.
- Never leave a key in the lock on the inside of a door.
Don’t advertise your routine
- Don’t leave curtains open at night — this allows observation into the house.
- Don’t announce holidays or extended absences on social media until you’re home again.
- Use timers on lights so the house looks occupied when you’re out.
- Cancel deliveries or ask a trusted neighbour to collect post.
Light up the boundaries
Good outdoor lighting at gates, paths and entrances removes the cover criminals depend on. Motion-activated lighting at vulnerable points is inexpensive and highly effective. Trim back any vegetation that hides windows or doors.
Investigate noises safely
Do not go outside alone to investigate noises at night. Switch on internal and external lights, listen, and call your armed response or the SAPS if anything seems off. Most criminals will leave the moment a property obviously becomes alert.
Have a plan for the family
- Agree a safe room everyone can move to in an emergency — ideally with a phone, a charged power bank and a panic alarm.
- Brief children on what to do if they hear or see anything unusual.
- Keep emergency and armed-response numbers within easy reach in every room, not just on a charging phone.
Layered habits beat any single device. Most break-ins are stopped before they happen by ordinary, disciplined caution.