Many Malaysians will say that gated and guarded (G&G) community are the obvious solution to crime prevention. Our expert, however, dispels this fact – break-ins can happen just as easily. Fantastic facilities, Nearby to the LRT station and `Safe and secure’ – If you just did double take, then you have failed to address one of the most important criteria when buying a home. Shamir Rajadurai; a crime safety specialist, made a helpful comment which, times are changing now – people are no longer just buying homes, they are buying into security  and safe neighbourhoods instead.

Tip 1: Development & Neighbourhood Safety Structure

A good and safe neighbourhood is to study the development’s scale model. This will enable you to ascertain whether crime prevention is implemented in the neighbourhood. When implemented properly, it allows for natural surveillance, or “the eyes on the street” concept, where residents are able to look out for themselves and for one another. Check for:

1) Are there walkways present?  If yes, are they efficient in preventing snatch-theft crime? An exemplary walkway will have an obstruction such as bushes or a bar against oncoming traffic.

2) Check out the lighting features – Are there enough streetlights to illuminate the pathways?

Playgrounds especially should not be obstructed by huge bushes or trees so that the occupants of the houses surrounding can always have a view of the activities there. All these structures play an important part in deterring crimes. Just as how unhygienic conditions breed pests, similarly, subpar environments can encourage criminal intentions.

Tip 2: Secondary Satisfactory Safety Measures

Property buyers should carry out a trial run to check out whether the neighbourhood’s guards are vigilant in screening those who enter and exit the neighbourhood and in deterring unsavoury behaviour. Secondary safety measures mainly consist of the security provided by security guards. Among the points to ponder are:

1) Are the security guards well trained and can they communicate in a common language?
– This is essential especially during emergencies where residents require assistance.

2)Is there a proper structure for a guardhouse and a functioning boom gate in place?
– Having a proper structure and system installation are important for any guarded area

Tip 3: CCTV Surveillance

Are the CCTV’s working or are just there for show?

CCTV cameras are an important feature in preventing crime. What is important is the quality, positioning and functionality of the surveillance cameras. Authorities are unable to take the necessary action for crimes occurring in places such as elevators and staircases, because the CCTV footage of poor quality or not working at all. He stressed that residents should ensure that the surveillance equipment is not mere ‘white elephants’.

Tip 4: Perimeter Fencing

Fencing lining the external perimeter of the neighbourhood is the first line of defence. Is proper fencing used and is it in good condition? Several developers may scrimp on costs and settle for regular wire fencing, which is easily compromised. Ideal fencing would be made of sturdy material and stand at a height of 8 feet. Also, the design of the fencing should not allow for any footholds, to render climbing impossible.

Tip 5: Amenities and Emergency Units Nearby?

Amenities such as shops and schools, property buyers should determine the accessibility to emergency `helps’ such as the police station and fire departments. Having a neighbourhood patrol unit (Rukun Tetangga) is an added advantage.

As a potential homeowners or an investor, you should never ever hesitate to question developers on the make-up of the neighbourhood and what safety measures are in place after all security is part of what they are paying for. This is because as a consumer, it is your right so that you will not be cheated or tricked by them. The development of gated and guarded community in Malaysia seems to be part an essential features of the housing industry. Unfortunately, most of these gated and guarded property can be a high cost residential types. However, it is attractive to developers due to higher returns and the increasing demand from the market, especially in the urban areas like Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Penang and Johore Bahru.