Your vacant property is a vulnerable target!

Your vacant property is a vulnerable target!

Listing and selling a home can be stressful, especially if you no longer live on the property.

What makes selling a vacant home so much more stressful than an occupied home? Well, the unfortunate reality is that a vacant property is a vulnerable target for vandals and the chance of the home being broken into increases.

Below are a few simple safety tips to help protect your vacant home when in the process of selling the property:

1) Tell your neighbours you’re selling and join the FNA (if applicable).

Ensure they have your contact details and ask them to make contact if there’s anything requiring your attention.

The FNA has an empty house register to ensure daily visits, with a 24-hour safety service. You could also request that the real estate agent marketing the home check in on it occasionally.

2) Check your home insurance policy.

Don’t forget to reach out to your insurance company to find out how your coverage might change once you’ve left the property. You should also find out how long the policy will cover your vacant home. Some insurance companies may offer Vandalism and Malicious Mischief Coverage that protects your property once you’ve moved out.

3) Install a home security system with one of the FNA SLA security company partners.

There are specific packages for FNA members.

The FNA has a radio network (FICH-Net).

The FNA has a 24-hour dedicated emergency phone number.

If the home doesn’t currently have a security system, install one. It’ll keep the home safer and may also increase its value. For many prospective homebuyers, security is a determining factor in their decision-making.

4) Secure all entrances of your home.

Remember to do more than just lock your doors. Close the windows securely and bolt the glass sliding door. Pay attention to any area in the home that could be used to gain entrance. Take extra precautions by adding deadbolts to all the doors and installing wooden or metal sticks in sliding door tracks.

5) Use timed lighting on your vacant home.

To further deter criminals, try motion-activated lights or set your lights on a timer so that they turn on during the evenings to give the appearance that someone is at home. Ideally, there should be sufficient lighting for the interior and exterior of the home, as a poorly lit home allows criminals the opportunity to hide.

6) Stage the vacant home.

Even though no one is currently living in the home, it doesn’t need to be empty. A bare home can seem less homely to potential buyers. Your agent should take photos of your home fully furnished, which would deter criminals who are scoping for targets online.

7) Don’t let your mailbox overflow.

Ensure that you update your forwarding address or make regular visits to your home to pick up mail as an overflowing mailbox is a tell-tale sign of a vacant home. Alternatively, ask your neighbours, friends, or relatives to stop by the property occasionally to empty the mailbox.

8) Maintain the vacant home’s exterior.
An overgrown lawn is another tell-tale sign that the home is not inhabited. Even though no one is currently living on the property, it still needs to be regularly maintained. Not only will maintaining the home deter trespassers, but it will also make the home more attractive to prospective buyers.
9) Don’t sell your vacant home alone.

While selling an uninhabited home can be a daunting task, using the above tips will help to ensure that the process is as hassle-free as possible. Using an experienced real estate professional from a reputable brand will also expedite the process and ensure a quick and seamless sale.

Fichardt Park Map with Zones

Fichardt Park Map with Zones

Below is the link to the Map of Fichardt Park with the Zones

The suburb is divided into Fourteen(14) blocks.
The blocks are grouped in three zones: Zone A, Zone B, Zone C

Click to Download High Quality Map of Fichardt Park

Map of Fichardt Park

Tips to protect your Identity in our Orange bag waste removal process.

Tips to protect your Identity in our Orange bag waste removal process.

Protecting your identity when putting out household waste can be important to prevent identity theft and privacy breaches.

Here are some tips to help safeguard your personal information:
1. Shred Documents

Before discarding any documents that contain personal information, such as bank statements, medical records, or bills, use a cross-cut shredder to destroy them.

2. Remove Labels
Peel off or black out labels on prescription bottles, packages, and mail that contain your name, address, or other identifying information.
3. Secure Trash Bags
Use opaque, sturdy trash bags to conceal the contents and prevent others from easily seeing what’s inside.
4. Avoid Putting Out Electronics
Properly dispose of electronics, such as old phones or computers, through e-waste recycling programs. These devices can contain sensitive data even if they appear to be broken or wiped.
5. Use a Lockable Bin
If possible, use a lockable trash bin to prevent others from rummaging through your trash.
6. Recycle Wisely
Be cautious about what you put in the recycling bin, especially items that might contain personal information. Shred paper items before recycling them.
7. Timing
Put your trash out as close to collection time as possible to minimize the time it spends at the curb.
8. Check for Local Guidelines
Some areas offer secure shredding services or have specific guidelines for disposing of sensitive documents and electronics.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect your identity and personal information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. FNA stands for a safer and cleaner environment.
Protecting yourself against Cybercrime

Protecting yourself against Cybercrime

Protecting yourself against cybercrime involves a combination of good practices, awareness, and the use of security tools.

After several crime prevention meetings, it has come to our attention that cybercrime activities are increasing in the area. Thus, the FNA crime prevention team compiled a few tips to prevent you from being a victim of cybercrime. It is also important to never assume that you will not be affected by this type of crime – it happens daily. Protect yourself and your loved ones by reading the below-mentioned tips:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

 

  1. Create complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters.
  2. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
  3. Consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

 

  1. Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer it for an added layer of security.
3. Keep Software Updated:

 

  1. Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and any software or apps you use to protect against the latest threats.
4. Be Cautious with Emails and Links:

 

  1. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
  2. Verify the sender’s email address and look out for signs of phishing.
5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software:

 

  1. Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
  2. Run regular scans to detect and remove any malware.
6. Secure Your Network:

 

  1. Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and change the default router settings.
  2. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when accessing the internet on public Wi-Fi.
7. Backup Your Data:

 

  1. Regularly back up important data to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service.
8. Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi:

 

  1. Avoid accessing sensitive information or performing financial transactions on public Wi-Fi networks.
9. Monitor Your Accounts:

 

  1. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
  2. Set up alerts for your accounts to be notified of suspicious activity.
10. Educate Yourself and Others:

  1. Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and educate yourself on how to recognize them.
  2. Share this knowledge with friends and family to help them stay safe online.
11. Secure Your Devices:

  1. Use a screen lock on your devices and enable remote wipe features in case they are lost or stolen.
  2. Be cautious about what apps you install and review their permissions.
12. Use Encryption:

  1. Encrypt sensitive files and communications to protect your data from unauthorized access.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. FNA Greetings
Invitation to townhouse complexes.

Invitation to townhouse complexes.

The FNA invites all townhouse complexes to contact the FNA management regarding FNA
membership. Call Alma on 060 567 3572.

Both Vergenoegd and Naledi townhouse complexes’ owners of units joined the FNA in July 2023
and June 2024, respectively. Special rates in relation to membership is negotiable.

Complexes in Fichardt Park are encouraged to join. With membership, residents of the
townhouses qualify for the following:

  1. Every member can count on a fast and safe security service by the security managers.
  2. Each member then contributes to keep Fichardt Park safe and tidy.
  3. Each member then supports the FNA’s waste disposal project.
  4. Every member can help with waste reduction by recycling on every second and last Saturday
    of the month.

The special offer will only apply if ALL owners of a complex join the FNA.

Bee removal close to Fichardt Park Primary School

Bee removal close to Fichardt Park Primary School

In the interest of our children at Fichardt Park Primary School and residents and visitors around Welthagen Park, the FNA had a beehive removed at the corner of Moffet and Schroeder Street.

Bloemfontein Bee Removals opens the area, removes the queen bee and places her in a beehive; after which the worker bees automatically follow her. The bees are then taken to a safe area to continue with their important role in nature.

The video shows this interesting process of removal.

The bees on the island at Stanton Road and Benade Drive will be removed next. There are still a few points where bee nests have been spotted that will also be attended to.

The FNA acts in the interest of members; therefore it is important that every resident joins the FNA, because everyone in the neighbourhood benefits from the work that the FNA does.