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Pretoria adopts 'gated neighbourhood' security trend

The recent increase in crime in Pretoria has led to the adoption of the concept of 'gated communities' which has proved popular in Johannesburg over the last few years.

Graham Boys, MD of Sentry Security Pretoria, says, "So far there are five closed-off areas, three of which are managed by Sentry, with 302 applications awaiting consideration from the local municipality and Street Safe.

While the jury is still out as to the effectiveness of the gated communities in reducing crime, Boys points out that in practice, few areas lend themselves to barricades and booms without obstructing traffic, causing congestion or blocking thoroughfare for emergency vehicles.

"We advise consumers not to rely on street schemes as a replacement for other security measures. There is no substitute for vigilance and common sense on the one hand, and alarms, armed response and panic buttons on the other," says Boys.

For further details contact Graham Boys, Sentry Security, (012) 346 2000.

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