Spike in opportunistic crime in some areas during lockdown
Criminals will be on the lookout for easy opportunities to take advantage of vulnerable properties.
Fidelity ADT urges residents to remain vigilant about home security following a recent spike in opportunistic crime during lockdown.
“We have received numerous reports of theft of electronic devices such as cellphones from joggers, walkers and cyclists and even laptops and iPads through open windows and/or unlocked doors,” said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager at Fidelity ADT.
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Opportunistic thieves are aware that families will be working remotely and that children are continuing with online schooling via electronic devices.
“The best defence against burglars, opportunistic thieves or armed robbers is to make your property as unattractive to criminals as possible by implementing extra precautions to keep your belongings safe, inside and outside the home,” Hattingh said.
With families at home, there are cars in the driveway, bicycles, toys and tools in the garden and often doors, windows and security gates are left open.
All these things appeal to criminals and your home could be targeted, during the day or night.
Hattingh said in the first week of May, one of the reaction officers caught a suspect who stole two children’s bikes out of a garage in a house in Mayberry Park in Alberton.
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He was casually walking down the road, pushing one on top of each other when he was caught by our officer.
Last week we had a couple of more serious cases where cyclists were stabbed and joggers were mugged for their valuables.
Keep your security gates locked at all times and ensure the keys are removed.
Activate early warning systems, such as garden beams and/or electric fencing, and ensure these are linked to armed response.
Make sure your alarm is working properly in all zones of the home.
Get the whole family involved in security and ensure they know where the panic buttons are, how to use them and who to phone in an emergency.
Also remain alert when out during the designated times of 6am to 9am and ensure all valuables are well covered.
Tightening up small vulnerabilities can amount to a huge relief when it comes to home and personal security. Remain vigilant and do not leave anything to chance during lockdown.
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