Security Tips for the Christmas Season and Beyond


When are you an attractive and soft target for criminals:

  1. Easy Access to farm environment / Easy access to premises/house.
  2. A large amount of cash held at the homestead.
  3. Several weapons kept at the homestead.
  4. Access to weapon safes.
  5. Vehicles parked outside without any alarm/immobilizer.
  6. Poor/No lighting on premises, around house and along fence.
  7. No burglar proofing or security gates.
  8. Poor/No fencing, which make visibility and penetration to the inside easy.
  9. Doors/Gates that is unlocked.
  10. Keys that lie about.
  11. Vehicles that is unlocked.
  12. Solid high walls without “peeping holes”.


  1. A Sturdy fence around the house is better than solid high walls without any “peeping holes” because the visibility is better.
  2. An expensive high or electrical fence is not essential, but it will make access to the premises/house difficult.
  3. A fence will delay an attack/burglar.
  4. Big and small dogs that can make a noise when an unknown person gain access to the premises.
  5. Keep movement and access for dogs freely around the house.
  6. Add razor wire, barbed wire, empty tins or bells onto the fence to make a noise when the fence is being disturbed.
  8. Sturdy locks on all security gates and outer doors.
  9. Burglar proofing in front of windows.
  10. A security gate inside the house that separates the sleeping quarters from the rest of the house could prove vital in the event of penetration of the house.  The emergency communication system and fire extinguishers should preferably be installed near the sleeping quarters.


Firearms must be readily accessible at all times and must, if possible be carried on the person.  Ensure that weapons are serviceable.  ENSURE THAT YOU ARE UP TO DATE WITH THE CURRENT FIREARM LEGISLATION.

A siren/alarm on the roof and a few alarm switches in the house can be heard over a long distance.  It can be used if other communication methods fail.  An alarm/siren must be tested regularly to ensure it can be heard over a long distance.  The alarm must warn the occupants that the house has been penetrated when they are not at home to prevent an ambush when they return home.

A light on the roof or more expensive device that is linked to a cellular phone would be a good investment.

The following are examples of alarm systems:

*      Mechanical and/or electrical systems.

*      Improvised systems:

=              Tins containing stones that are strung together

=              Pieces of iron that are strung together

=              Gravel under windows, on pathways and around the house

=              Obstacles that make a noise when moved

*                      Biological systems: Dogs,geese,ostriches and ducks

Security lights that are connected to a light sensitive switch on the outside of the house is a good way to improve security on a farm or smallholding.  The lights must be directed away from the house but the occupants should be able to use the windows without being visible from outside.  Shadows and blind spots must be taken into consideration.

Stand by your rights as the owner of your farm.  Strangers or temporary laborers should first get your permission to enter the farm.  (Make it priority to find out what the law allows you to do and how you may apply your rights on the farm).

Farm laborers/Domestic Workers/Gardeners:

*      Establish a good relationship with workers.

*      Keep a copy of every laborer’s ID.

*      Encourage workers to be safety conscious and to report crime.

*      Encourage workers to be on the lookout for strangers in the area and to notify you of   their presence.

*      Reward workers for any useful hints and information they give.

*      Provide adequate protection for the laborers’’ houses and families.

Do not allow anybody on the property or in the house before having identified him/her, especially at night.

At least one dog should sleep inside the house.

Ensure that heavy tools such as axes, spades, picks, tommy bars, ladders, etc. are locked away when not in use.

Control over keys:

*      Use codes instead of written labels to mark keys.

*      Avoid carrying large bunches of keys with you.  Use locks that work by means of a code.  The codes must be changed regularly.

*      Remove keys from vehicles when they are not needed.

*      Change locks when their keys disappear.

*      Ensure that all doors (including security and garage doors), windows and gates are kept locked when not in use.

*      Before unlocking anything, make sure you have the correct key handy.

*      Never hide a key in predictable places such as under a doormat or in potted plants.

*      When a key is left in a keyhole on the inside of the door, it should be turned to prevent it from being pushed out from the outside.

Every time you leave the house, tell your family where you are going, what route you will be taking, and when you can be expected back.

Test your telephone regularly to ensure that it is in a working condition.  Put the telephone installed in an accessible place in the house that is at the same time not vulnerable to gunfire through any windows.