Wire plays an important role in the functionality of security systems, such as alarm systems and electric fencing, says security solutions company Live Wire technical manager Mike Penny, who notes that 90% of the security systems the company sells run on wire.
He further points out that demand for electric fencing in South Africa continues to grow, as it is usually made of steel wire that is multistrained and hard to snap.
“Electric fencing is an affordable security solution and the average South African can secure his or her home with this technology,” he states.
Long-distance tertiary education provider Unisa’s School of Criminal Justice Professor Rudolph Zinn conducted extensive research on residential robberies and held interviews with arrested and convicted robbers during 2006 and 2007. He published his findings in a report in 2008.
The research indicated that the average robber committed 103 robberies over seven years before being caught and would monitor a home for as long as two weeks to gather relevant information.
Wireless security systems have become popular, as the installation process is less time consuming and less labour intensive than a hard-wire system, he notes.
“We have many clients in the farming industry who have electric fencing around their houses that is connected to alarm systems. “The demand for electric fencing on farms has increased considerably, owing to the vulnerability of those living on farms and the number of farm murders and attacks occurring,” Penny states.
Zinn adds that 20% of the house robbers he interviewed for his research had also been involved in farm attacks.