In our previous article, we looked at some of the most common everyday habits and oversights that can weaken home security in Cape Town. For many homeowners, simply becoming aware of those issues is enough to make meaningful improvements. However, even homes that tick all the obvious boxes can still be vulnerable in less noticeable ways. Security risks don’t always come from unlocked doors or open windows—they often develop quietly through assumptions, convenience, or routines that haven’t been revisited in years. These are the kinds of mistakes people don’t always think to question.
Below are ten additional home security mistakes from our expert locksmiths, that we consider just as common for Cape Town homeowners. Like the first list, most of these issues are easy to address once you know where to look.
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Is electric fencing enough on its own to secure a property?
Electric fencing is widely used across Cape Town and can be an effective deterrent, but it’s rarely enough on its own. Homeowners sometimes assume that once fencing is installed, other security measures become less important. In reality, fencing works best as part of a layered system. Without lighting, alarms, or monitoring, electric fences can be bypassed or ignored—especially if they aren’t well maintained or clearly visible.
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Are garage doors a common weak point in home security?
Garages are often treated as storage spaces rather than entry points, which makes them easy to overlook. Older garage doors, faulty motors, or doors left unlocked can provide quiet access to a property. In many homes, the garage connects directly to the house, turning a small oversight into a major vulnerability. Securing garage doors properly and treating them like any other exterior entrance reduces this risk significantly.
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Do side passages and back entrances need the same security attention?
Side gates, service passages, and back doors are frequently forgotten during daily lock-up routines. Because these areas are out of sight from the street, they offer more privacy for someone trying to gain access unnoticed. Ensuring gates lock properly, paths are well lit, and doors are checked regularly helps close off these quieter access points. Consistency matters just as much here as it does at the front door.
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Should locks be changed after moving into a new home?
Many new homeowners and tenants move in without changing existing locks, assuming the keys they received are the only copies. In reality, there’s no way to know how many duplicates may still exist. Changing locks after moving in is a simple step that immediately restores control over who can access your home. It’s one of the easiest ways to eliminate an unknown risk early on.
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Is sharing an alarm code with multiple people risky?
Over time, alarm codes often get shared with cleaners, contractors, family members, or short-term guests. The more widely a code is known, the harder it is to control how that information spreads. Using unique codes where possible, and updating them when circumstances change, helps limit unnecessary access. It also makes it easier to track who enters the property and when.
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Are sliding doors easier to break into than standard doors?
Sliding doors are popular in Cape Town homes, especially those designed for indoor–outdoor living. Unfortunately, basic latches and worn tracks can make them easier to force open than many homeowners realise. Reinforcing sliding doors with proper locks, security bars, or anti-lift devices greatly improves their resistance. Treating them with the same care as front or back doors is essential.
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Can uncollected deliveries make a home look unoccupied?
Packages left outside, even for a short time, can signal that no one is home. This is especially common during work hours or holiday periods when deliveries continue but routines change. Arranging delivery times, asking neighbours to collect parcels, or using secure drop-off options helps avoid this issue. A home that looks actively occupied is far less appealing to opportunistic intruders.
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Do social media posts affect home security?
Sharing photos or updates while away from home can unintentionally advertise that a property is empty. Real-time posts about travel, weekends away, or long outings are more revealing than many people realise. Delaying posts until after you return, or limiting visibility to trusted contacts, reduces this exposure. Online habits are increasingly part of modern home security.
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Should garden sheds and outbuildings be secured?
Sheds, storerooms, and outbuildings are often lightly secured or left unlocked altogether. Tools stored inside can be used to force entry into the main house. Locking these spaces and keeping equipment out of easy reach removes an unnecessary advantage. Securing the perimeter includes everything on the property, not just the house itself.
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Is it safe to assume neighbours will notice suspicious activity?
Many homeowners believe unusual activity will stand out to neighbours, but unfamiliar movement often goes unnoticed—especially in busy or changing neighbourhoods. People tend to assume someone else is responsible. Clear communication, shared awareness, or neighbourhood watch initiatives improve the chances that suspicious behaviour is questioned. Security works best when it isn’t based on assumptions alone.
Staying One Step Ahead of Everyday Security Risks
Home security isn’t something you solve once and never think about again. As routines change, technology evolves, and homes age, new blind spots can quietly appear—even in properties that feel well protected. What makes these mistakes so common is that they’re usually rooted in convenience, familiarity, or assumptions rather than neglect.
By taking time to review how your home functions day to day—how access is controlled, what’s visible, and where habits may have slipped—you create opportunities to strengthen security without major disruption. In a city like Cape Town, where lifestyles and neighbourhoods vary so widely, staying aware and adaptable is often the most effective protection. Small, thoughtful adjustments can make a lasting difference to both your safety and your peace of mind.
FAQs
Is electric fencing enough to secure a home in Cape Town?
Electric fencing can be an effective deterrent, but on its own it’s rarely enough to secure a property fully. It works best when combined with lighting, alarms, and other security measures that create multiple layers of protection.
What are the most common weaknesses in garage security?
Garage doors are often overlooked and may have outdated locks or faulty motors. Because garages sometimes connect directly to the house, weak security here can provide easy access indoors.
Why are side gates and back entrances often targeted by intruders?
These areas are usually quieter and less visible from the street, making them easier to approach unnoticed. If gates or doors aren’t checked regularly, they can quickly become vulnerable entry points.
Should locks always be changed after moving into a new home or rental?
Yes, changing locks is a simple way to regain full control over who has access to your property. It removes uncertainty around how many spare keys might still be in circulation.
How many people should have access to a home alarm code?
Access should be limited to people who genuinely need it, such as immediate household members. Updating codes when circumstances change helps reduce the risk of misuse over time.
Are sliding doors less secure than normal doors?
Sliding doors can be easier to force open if they rely on basic latches or worn tracks. Adding proper locks or reinforcement can significantly improve their security.
Can parcels and deliveries make a house look empty?
Yes, uncollected deliveries can signal that no one is home, especially during the day. Managing delivery times or asking a neighbour to collect parcels helps reduce this risk.
Is posting on social media while away from home a security risk?
Real-time posts can unintentionally reveal that a home is unoccupied. Delaying updates until after returning home limits how much information is shared publicly.
Why should garden sheds and outbuildings be locked?
Tools stored in sheds can be used to break into the main house if left unsecured. Locking these spaces removes an easy advantage for potential intruders.
What home security areas are most often overlooked by homeowners?
Garages, side passages, and secondary entrances are commonly forgotten during daily routines. These overlooked areas can create weak points if they’re not included in regular security checks.