The old adage, prevention is better than a cure, can certainly apply when it comes to drive by shootings. The safety of your family is always a top priority and taking extra precautions is better than not taking any at all.
Gun crime in Sydney has exploded, with a number of drive by shootings occurring in a number of residential suburbs across the state. Melbourne has also had their fair share of shootings of late.
If you live in an area where gun crime is a potential problem or threat, there are some steps that you can take to protect your family and your home.
- Physical barriers at the front of your home – If you install gates or have a large retaining wall around the front of your residence, people won’t be able to get a clear shot of your property and a ding or hole in your brickwork is far better than having to deal with a hole in your front living room window
- Bullet-proof glass – Some families decide that having bullet-proof glass installed is the best way for them to feel safe. There are companies across Sydney that not only install bullet proof glass at commercial residences, but also private homes as well.
- Install security systems and surveillance – If you don’t already have video surveillance set up around your home and you are concerned about a drive by shooting, you need to call a professional security service now. Having video surveillance is a key element to being able to identify someone who is trying to fire shots at your home and if you can provide the police with HD video footage, it will make it much easier for them to not only catch but convict the perpetrator. Having these cctv systems set up with a number of video cameras around the outside of your home can mean the difference between a conviction, or someone walking free for a crime against your family.
In the case that someone is firings shots at your home, the first thing to do is vacate the property from the rear, staying away from the windows, and remain somewhere safe and away from your home while you call the police.
Many people have an instinct the grab things before they leave the house, but if shots are being fired, you should get down, and get out.
If you are unable to vacate the house for whatever reason, you may want to barricade yourself in a room while you phone the police. Make sure that all of the lights in the house are turned off so that the shooter doesn’t know what room of the house you are in.
Never go outside your home and confront the shooter. Wait for the police to arrive.
For many people, protecting their family and their home from a drive by shooting is a serious concern. By following the steps above, if this is a potential threat for you, there are ways in which you can protect those you love, and minimise the damage to your property, should the unthinkable happen.
