Once upon a time, most neighbourhood kids played local games like ‘police and thief’, ‘suwe’, ‘ten-ten’ and street soccer. Nighttime used to be storytime, but right now, you will not see kids playing around from 6 pm.

Fast forward to the 21st century, all this fun seem to have disappeared, kids now find more joy watching cartoons and other kids programs on various media platforms.

What could have been responsible for this sudden change? Well, we are sure you have something to say about that; Whether you blame it on over-protective parents, insecurity or children’s early exposure to media contents, one thing is for certain; many neighbourhoods today are don’t have that homely feeling that was experienced 20 to 30 years ago.

Parents have become more protective of their kids, they want to know about the whereabouts of their children, because of the incessant increase in the number of missing persons, with a large chunk of missing persons aged 3-12year old.

You will agree that estates have become relatively expensive and attractive because the residence can feel a lot safer, even a neighbourhood that doesn’t use to be structured as an estate now have a better access control measure to make their homes safer.

7 Simple Ways to Make Your Estate Safer

No price is too much to pay for your safety, however, there is the God-factor in security, but as humans, God has blessed us with the knowledge to help us protect ourselves and our businesses.

In today’s article, we are going to look at practices that can make your estates safer than you already thought.

1. Know your Neighbour

Some of us are private and don’t like to mingle, it is important you have at least to the basic information of your neighbour, you should at least know their name, the nature of their jobs, amongst other things. By this, you are putting yourself with neighbours in a win-win situation.

Make yourself a resource in case of emergencies or help needed on their end; some neighbours might reciprocate your kind gestures.

Asides from watching each other’s back (security consciousness), children can be a lot safer. Domestic violence can also be a thing of the past because there could be an older couple living next door whose advice can be helpful to the concerned family.

2. Form a Community Development Association

Community development associations help to foster unity and development in all aspect of the community.

In terms of the security of lives and properties, members of the community can come together to consider possible security solutions and adopt the best that will best fit their security needs.

Technology has also made community meetings more convenient because of the advent of Whatsapp. A Whatsapp group can be created to include only members of the community, this way you don’t have to host physical meetings every day of the week.

During the community meetings, members can be encouraged to disclose safety/burglary incidents on a neighbourhood safety on the Whatsapp group so others know what to look out for. Other security measures like CCTVs, private security guards, alarm systems community gates can be properly considered when necessary.

3. Fencing

Fences can help deter unwanted visitors, if you have flowers planted, you must have them properly trimmed some that there will be a fewer place for criminals to hide.

However, these crime prevention measures can get pretty expensive sometimes. You can utilize the free tips in our articles if you want to stave off property crime if landscaping or fence construction is not in your current budget.

4. Keep an eye on your property when you are out of town

House burglars choose a target based on what they can see, for example, they look for deserted houses and visual clues that show no one is home. We can’t overstate the importance of making it look like your home when you are away.

In a previous article, we have shared tips on how to make your home safe even while you are away.

You can have an arrangement with your neighbour to help by mowing your lawn, removing weeds from interlock and concrete floors or picking up your utility bills. This will deter anyone to burgle your home.

You could even have a neighbour park a car in your compound occasionally while you’re away.

Use timers on your lights, or find a smart security system that will allow you to turn lamps off and on remotely.

5. Turn off the Lights and Bring down the window curtain and blind at night

No one will be enticed to steal your big-screen LED Tv if they don’t know you have it. Leaving your window curtains and blinds open and lights on at night provides a free look into your house, its layout, and the habits of its occupants.

And leaving windows open at night or when you’re gone for an event or errand can be a direct invitation for thieves to come in.

6. Install Street Light

Armed robbers often prefer to target communities with a lower population. So if your community has few houses and lots of space, we advise that you put in measures to ensure that spaces are well lit.

It can get better when each household turns on their outdoor and doorway lights in the evenings and install motion-detector lights in the backs or sides of the house so potential intruders don’t have the dark spots to hide in.

7. Install a security system

Lastly, one of the surest options for crime prevention in your estate and community is to get a home security system and use it properly. You can contact a security consultant to do a security assessment of your estate and have them suggest the best security system for your estate.

At sheriff deputies, security risks assessment is free, click here to schedule an appointment.

Action point

Improving neighbourhood safety is a team effort, but it needs to start with someone.

As you get to know your neighbours, discuss your concerns, and apply some of the ideas above, you will find out that your estate becomes not only a safer place but a more enjoyable one.