Steven Bronks, district community development manager at ADT Security, said robberies in driveways were a cause for concern within the Rosebank precinct.
According to Bronks, the majority of victims are usually followed home from shopping centres or from other appointments. They are often spotted wearing expensive jewellery or in possession of items of high value leading to their cars being targeted.
“People need to be aware of being followed home. Being followed home to your gate is a major problem and it forms a lot of the serious contact crimes,” said Bronks.
Giving insight into the crime trends within different areas and suburbs, he said crime tended to move in waves. The more preventative measures that were taken in one area pushed the crime into another area, therefore, it was imperative that residents took the extra time to lock gates and doors.
“The biggest factor is of people being lax when it comes to having their automated gates closed. The doors to their houses are left unlocked so people can jump over a wall from the neighbour’s side and they’ll find an open door.”
To prevent falling prey to perpetrators, Bronks advised that domestic staff be trained and informed of what could happen in a crime situation. To prevent any potential threat, it was advisable to have a person inside the house to open and close the gate when someone was working outside instead of the worker carrying a remote.
Tips for ensuring safety in your home:
- Test your alarm system periodically.
- If you have access codes, check regularly that they are working to enable help to reach you should you be in danger.
- When changing your locks inform your security company.
- Ensure that parameter security is kept in good working order at all times. Outside garden beams are very important as they are an early warning before criminals get into your house.
Details: www.adt.com
