According to Africa Check, armed robberies, burglaries, murder, attempted murder and serious assault tend to increase markedly over the festive season.
This is why the South African police services make more of an effort to crack down on crime.
There are a few precautions that could help protect your belongings from criminals.
“There are basic rules to follow if you have become a victim of crime in order to ensure the crime is reported correctly and sufficient information is available for investigation,” says Mike Bolhuis a specialist investigator into serious violent or economic crimes.
1. On leaving home
When leaving on holiday, your home must be closed and securely locked. It is advisable to leave essential lights on.
Arrangements must be made to remove delivered post at your home and at your post box.
All valuables and firearms must be locked away in correctly installed safes.
It is advisable to join a reputable security company and be a member of the local Community Policing Forum or Neighbourhood Watch.
A family member or friend should also visit your home and check that all is in order.
It is wise to ask someone to assist with the switching on and off of lights, the opening and closing of curtains and the feeding of the pets.
Emergency numbers of police, security company, insurance company, electricians, plumbers, builders, contact persons and your number should be available to all people you have asked to help protect your premises.
2. What to do after a crime has been committed at your home in your absence?
You need to ensure that in the unfortunate event of a crime being committed at your home, that your contact person, a Community Police Forum member, a Neighbourhood Watch member or security company reports the incident as thoroughly as possible to the police.
It is advisable to have the scene of crime visited and photographed.
Whoever reports the crime must ensure that the police take fingerprints at the crime scene.
Other people cannot officially complain on your behalf and it will be necessary for you to submit a statement to the South African Police Service.
