How to keep your home safe and secure

"Your home is your sanctuary, and you should be able to lay your head on your pillow every night without worrying about whether someone is going to break your front door down," says Gerhard Kotzé, CEO of the RealNet property group.

"Our properties house more than just our most expensive and prized possessions; they also serve as the barrier between our families and the outside world. And, despite how much we all love our country, we need to remember that crime is rife, so we need to do all we can to keep our loved ones as safe as possible."

With this in mind, here are some of the best ways to keep your home secure:

* Burglar bars: They might not be aesthetically pleasing, but they create a physical barrier between you and the exterior of your home. You should opt for strong, aluminium bars, if possible, as flimsy ones can easily be broken off by possible burglars.

* Security gates: We all know South African summers get hot, but it's not always the best idea to leave your doors open. Security gates allow you to enjoy a cool breeze while still feeling protected in your home, and they can also be used to cordon off specific sections of your home at night.

* Motion-controlled exterior lighting: Intruders love the dark, as it gives them ample opportunity to lie in wait and hide. But, if a burglar steps in your garden and they are immediately greeted by a bright light shining in their eyes, they may feel like a buck in headlights!

* Alarm systems linked to an armed security company: Alarm systems are great for telling you when you have an unexpected guest on your property, but it's often worth the extra monthly investment to hire an armed security company. When your alarm goes off, the company you've hired will give you a call and ask if you're in danger, and if you are, they will send an armed guard to investigate.

* CCTV cameras: Home surveillance cameras used to be considerably expensive in the past, but they're now reasonably priced enough for most people to afford. Many systems can also be accessed remotely via your smartphone, and sometimes, the sight of them alone will deter would-be burglars.

* Neighbourhood watch groups: Staying safe and secure is much easier when it's not an individual effort. Neighbourhood Watch WhatsApp groups can be a great way for neighbours to inform each other of potential threats in the area.

While you should never stay paranoid at all times and always be looking over your shoulder, it's important to be vigilant. Home invasions happen every day in South Africa, so it's important to do as much as you can to protect your family and your home