Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in the number of house break-ins, attempted break-ins, armed robberies and motor vehicle thefts in Northmead, Farrarmere and Rynfield.
According to Fidelity ADT, there were 20 reported incidents around the third week of April.
The areas with the most incidents were Rynfield (six) and Farramere (four), followed by Northmead with three incidents.
Other areas affected was Morehill, Cloverdene, Norton Home Estates and Benoni CBD.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele confirmed that there was an increase of these crime mentions in March and the beginning of April.
“Since the increase, the Vispol team members have been conducting operations every Friday on different times in these areas with the help of the local CPF as our eyes and ears,” said Sekele.
“Extra vehicles have also been deployed to patrol daily, and so far we have seen a decrease in crime.”
Sekele said they also urge residents to report all criminal activities to the police, including minor ones or any suspicious people or vehicles in their neighbourhood.
Fidelity ADT community development manager Milly Barnard said much of the crime seems opportunistic.
“We can see that in several instances people have forgotten to arm their systems or put on their beams. There is also a worrying trend of cyclists and runners being targeted on Atlas Road.
“Recently there were two separate incidents of cyclists being attacked by people hiding in the bushes between Dam and Finch Roads, who threw rocks at the cyclists. Fortunately they got away unharmed. Please do not cycle or run alone.”
She said it is key to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
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Here are some security tips to keep in mind:
• Gates – make sure your gate opens and closes as quickly as possible. This means less time sitting in your driveway or the road where you are a vulnerable target to hijackers. Also ensure the gate motor has a locked box covering it to stop any attempts at tampering. Remember to keep your gates closed at all times.
• Be aware of your surroundings – be alert for being followed home or of any suspicious cars or people in your neighbourhood. Remember to be an active participant in your neighbourhood watch and or WhatsApp group if you have a suburb or road grouping. Neighbours need to look out for one another.
• Bushes and trees – make sure bushes and trees on your property are checked regularly to ensure they are not affecting your perimeter security. Branches should be cut back to prevent blocking or impeding the effective functioning of your perimeter security or where they may be used to climb into and access your property.
• Beams – make sure beams are installed correctly and at the most optimal angle to increase their range and effectiveness. It is also important to make sure these beams are not obscured by shrubbery or near reflective surfaces to prevent excessive false alarm activations.
• Carry remote panic buttons with you at all times at home and equip your domestic staff with remote panic buttons.
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• Be sure your alarm is armed at all times and that everyone within the household – including domestic staff – know when and how to use the alarm system and panic buttons if these are installed. They should also know who to call in an emergency – make a list of contact numbers and post them on or near a phone. If you have not been informed of the arrival of delivery people or service providers, do not open the door, even if they insist they have an appointment.
• Make sure you are not distracted when out on the street or in a shopping centre. Do not use earphones or text on your phone in full view of passersby. Crime is opportunistic and happens quickly when you are distracted.
• Keep your boot locked at all times and don’t drive with valuables in your car that can be seen through the window. Rather lock these items in the boot. Perhaps consider putting a Polycarp film on the windows to assist in the event of a smash-and-grab incident. These can be tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering.
“We are living in a tough economy and crime is definitely on the increase. Fidelity ADT has increased visibility in the area but we are urging residents to be vigilant,” said Barnard.
