2nd Edition June 2014 | Page 12

Property A Good Enclosure System By Bolaji Yusuf S tudies have shown that houses without gates have a higher tendency of getting burgled compared to houses with gates. Fences are generally distinguished from walls by the lightness of their construction and their purpose. Walls should be barriers made from solid brick or concrete, blocking vision as well as passage, while fences are used more frequently to provide visual sectioning of spaces. Nothing beats a good fencing system when it comes to keeping your property free from unwanted visitors. Gates and fences come in a number of designs and colors. They can be made of steel or concrete. There are many advantages to having gates and fences. Some of the advantages of a good fencing system and gate are: 1. ENJOY MORE PRIVACY With a boundary between you and the world outside, you can still enjoy the scenery in your backyard without necessarily being seen by passers by. You can sit by the garden and read a book in peace or have a little get together with your family and friends. 12 | Choice Options 2. KEEP YOUR PETS FROM WANDERING Sometimes, your dogs or cat may wander off without you knowing it. They can get lost or stolen. Having a fencing system prevents them from walking out of the property without your assistance. 3. PREVENT YOUR CHILDREN FROM WALKING OFF WITHOUT GUIDANCE Children tend to explore far beyond the boundary of their homes. The thing is, some kids are just too young to be left on their own, although we all know kids do sometimes wander off without our knowing, especially with hyper active kids. One way to keep them from walking off on their own and out of harm's way is by living in a gated environment. 4. SCREEN PEOPLE AT THE GATE BEFORE LETTING THEM IN The problem with just having a door between you and the outside world is that it exposes you to all sorts of characters. If you are unfortunate enough not to have a peephole, an intercom system or a security man, you are going to have to open the door to see who is outside. This is trouble waiting to happen. Some muggers pretend to be door-to-door preachers, convincing you to let them in. Having a gate gives you a buffer. You can screen people outside without having to let them in your property, especially now that we have a high alert security level in the country. 5. PREVENT TRESPASSERS FROM COMING IN DURING THE NIGHT You can sleep more soundly knowing that you have a gate that would make it harder for burglars to break into your home in the night. Supplement your gate with an alarm system and some well-trained guard dogs.