The police have issued a warning to community members to be more vigilant during the festive period.
Sebenza police spokesperson, Sergeant Sharon Tsotsotso, said house robberies increase this time of year as people buy new appliances and leave the boxes at the gates.
“When you throw the boxes out in the streets, you are showing the criminals what you just bought and your house becomes a target,” Tsotsotso said. “We say this all the time, but we can never say it enough – people must stop withdrawing lots of money at the ATM, rather do transfer and do online payments.”
She urged people to ask someone they trust to look after their house if they are going away for a holiday.
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“Tell newspaper delivery companies to stop when you are going away, because when newspapers pile up outside your gate and postbox, criminals know there is no one at the house. Inform your security company to watch your house when you are away.
“Children must be alert because there is human trafficking and parents must educate their children about such dangers,” Tsotsotso added. “They must not trust people they don’t know.”
The community has been urged to guard against the following crimes in particular:
• Armed robbery and house robbery.
• Car and truck hijackings.
• Domestic violence.
• Child abuse.
• House break-ins.
• Car theft.
