Residential Security - Do's and Dont's

This was received in local circle only some time back. I am resending to all for their reference as now there are many more people in circles.

Common Tips – Applicable at all Residential Areas

Residents must organize themselves as Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or Cooperative Housing Society (CHS) which should draw up bye laws duly approved in a general body meeting. RWA officer bearers should be elected periodically as per bye laws. Large colonies can be divided into sectors with officials nominated for each sector. Maximum representation should be given to women.

RWA should register under the Societies Act to gain legal validity.

RWA should encourage resident- to- resident communication through social and cultural events
RWA should attempt to develop security culture amongst residents through regular interaction and conduct programmes on crime prevention, safety, fire precautions and, community welfare.

RWA should draft security standing orders giving responsibilities of office holders as well as residents. A copy should be prominently displayed at RWA office as well as distributed to each household.

RWA should have a security coordination committee headed by an experienced person either an ex-service or ex police personnel.

Effective coordination must be carried out with local agencies – municipal/fire brigade/civil defence wardens, chief medical officer and Station House Officer of local police station apart from beat constables.

An accepted system of monthly contribution should be instituted for all residents and collection made regularly to ensure that the RWA is self supporting. These funds should be properly accounted for and assistance of Chartered Accountants could be taken where necessary. Annual statement of accounts should be submitted to members and relevant authorities.

Repeated burglaries, chain snatching, molestation, abduction or kidnapping, ATM/auto theft, house break-in and robberies implies that the area is vulnerable, thus RWA must warn residents to take additional precautions and ensure enhancement of central security.

In highly vulnerable areas or where frequent criminal incidents have been reported, RWA should take expert advice from police or other security agencies.

Do’s and Don’ts given below are as much applicable to non gated residential areas as gated ones except that access controls should be organized by roving security guards.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR RESIDENTS

Do’s

Do cooperate with the RWA on all matters of residential security which is for your own safety.

Do remember that RWA is a facilitator of security of the colony in general but responsibility for security of premises is that of each resident.

Do ensure that there is preferably only one entry and exit to your house or flat and block others permanently.

Do ensure doors, windows and locks are of standard quality and avoid compromise by using local materials.

Do ensure that all entrances, including service doors and gates, have quality locks--preferably deadbolt.
Do have a safe for keeping valuables on a temporary basis; however these are best kept in bank lockers especially when going out of town. Do insure your household items through a general insurance company and renew annually.

Do register your domestic staff with the RWA and inform them of any changes.

Do check whenever any new/unknown outsider visits your home that he/she has RWA pass.
Do not allow entry to even known persons coming at odd hours especially if only women and children are at home.

Do ensure that if you are keeping a tenant he or she is verified by the local police.

Do keep a pet dog particularly where male members in the house remain out on tours or long duty hours at night. Dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison.

Do ensure garage is locked at all times and keys are properly secured.

Do educate your children on security aspects particularly not allowing entry of strangers or not touching an unattended object but report the same to security. Do teach children local emergency phone numbers, the mission number, and how to use the two-way radio. Do make sure children know their name, address, and phone number but do not give it to strangers.

Do have the number of the security staff, RWA members and so on stored on your mobile as well as that of other members. This is particularly important for women and senior citizens.

Do have burglar or intrusion alarms, check and use them. Do install fire alarm systems, smoke detector and keep portable fire extinguisher handy. Do have back up power supply such as inverter or generator with auto switch on facility. Do keep flashlights in several areas in the house. Check batteries often, especially if you have children.

Do know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other's homes, especially during trips.

Do establish safe family living patterns. If you understand the importance of your contribution to the family's overall security, the entire household will be safer. Do vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns.

Do inform the RWA when moving out of town and if house will be locked for a few days and seek assistance for security.

Do arrange to have a friend or colleague pick up your newspapers, mail, or other deliveries daily when you are away and also arrange to water your plants else it will be a giveaway for criminals looking for an opportunity for burglary .

Don’ts

Do not use sliding panel doors for main or side entrance; these are easy to break in.

Do not keep valuables including jewelry and cash at home without proper security arrangements and never for a long time particularly when you are going out of town and house is locked.

Do not conceal knowledge of serious crimes or risk.

Do not allow grass to grow around your house or ground floor flat which will provide burglars and thieves cover.

Do not provide set of keys to short term employees as this can be misused at a later date. Do not get duplicate keys made by servants or unknown persons and only through authorized locksmiths.

Do not install separate "doggy doors" or entrances. They also can admit small intruders.

Do not confront armed thieves and robbers but raise alarm and seek assistance from security.

Do not offer any temptation to household staff even those employed for long period by leaving valuables and cash outside. Do not discuss money related issues in front of household staff even if these are considered very trustworthy.

Do not allow strangers in the house even if they attempt to indicate that there is an emergency.

Don't leave keys "hidden" outside the home, in due course this will be discovered by an interested person. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or colleague.

Don’t enter if you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, call the RWA and local police.

Don’t avoid payment of dues to the RWA for whatever reason, differences can be resolved separately but make sure that RWA has adequate funds for security.

Conclusion

Security of residential areas is a pre-requisite for a safe and peaceful life in cities. While gated communities have improved security, these have not eliminated possibility of thefts, forced entries, incidents of molestation, sexual assaults and so on. However where RWA and residents have been alert colonies have been devoid of such incidents. This has in turn ensured that there is demand for the property and indirectly contributed to value addition. Do’s and Don’ts indicated above are simple measures to be undertaken on a day to day basis in general and should be supplemented by additional instructions by RWAs based on local conditions. Importantly making these a habit will ensure that your colony and house/flat is burglar proof. more