This comes after a number of housebreaking cases have been reported in these suburbs, a few weeks apart.
According to Benoni SAPS spokesperson Lieut Nomsa Sekele, criminals target houses where no one is home and they take valuable items such as Plasma TVs, laptops, play stations, cellphones and jewellery.
“In all these reported cases the modus operandi is the same; as a result, we suspect the criminals were watching as the complainants were leaving their homes,” said Sekele.
“We advise community members to always be alert and to check who is watching them as they leave their premises.
“Residents must also play their part in helping the police in the fight against crime.”
Police still urge home owners to profile their domestic workers and gardeners.
Sekele said burglaries lead to house robberies in cases where residents are found on the property.
Police provided the following tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim:
• Know your neighbours.
• Post that has been left in the gate for a long time is a sign that nobody is at home. Ask someone to keep an eye on your property and remove post and newspapers in the gate.
• Curtains should be closed in the evening to prevent people from observing the activities inside your home.
• Never leave contractors or workers unattended at your home.
• Be careful of what is discussed in front of your domestic worker or gardener.
• Don’t leave your garage, front or back door open; it serves as an invitation to burglars.
• Conduct a thorough background check before employing anyone (permanent or casual workers). Request their identity documents and make a copy for safekeeping. Check their references and do security clearance at the police.
• Never leave keys in a lock.
• Do not leave a ladder or any tools outside.
If there are any suspicious people in your neighbourhood, call the police on 10111 or 011 747 0000.
You may also be interested in: More resources to combat crime
