Burglaries skyrocket
This time of year usually signals a rise in break-ins and the SAPS plead with residents to ensure their homes are properly protected against criminal invasion.
According to Capt Peet van der Schyff, of the Brakpan SAPS Crime Information Analysis Centre, 25 burglaries were reported to police last week alone.
The majority of these have taken place during the day, while the homeowners are at work.
“People must make sure it is as difficult as possible for criminals to get inside their homes,” said van der Schyff.
He told the Herald that residents can play an important part in preventing burglaries, by taking simple precautionary measures.
“Some people leave gates and windows wide open, and in some instances, even the keys hanging in the door,” said van der Schyff.
“This is an open invitation.”
Safety tips:
* Keep all your doors and security gates locked all the time, even when there is more than one person at home.
All main doors should be fitted with strong locks.
* Keep your garden well lit and trees and plants trimmed to eliminate any possible hiding places.
* Ensure that your house’s street number is clearly marked on your wall/fence/gate so that it can be easily seen by emergency service personnel/the police who may need to get to you.
* If you are able to install additional security devices, do so as every deterrent helps.
Consider installing a burglar alarm and panic buttons, burglar bars and security gates as well as remote control gates and garage doors to prevent you from having to step out of your car when leaving and returning home.
* When you go away on holiday, cancel all newspaper and magazine deliveries.
Try to install timers that will automatically switch lights on and off in your house to make it appear as if there is someone at home in the evenings.
Call upon a reliable friend to house-sit for you if possible.
Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your home and do the same for them in return.
* It is your right to see the identification cards of callers who claim to be government or municipal officials or even police officers.
Even if they are in uniform, insist on it.
If they refuse, order them to leave your property immediately and report the matter to the police.
* Never open the door to strangers and alert your family members or friends if you are sending someone unknown to their house.
* Keep cash, valuables and firearms in safe boxes that are securely bolted down.
* Report any suspicious persons, noises or sounds to the police immediately.
Remember to listen for neighbours’ dogs barking unusually late in the evening or early in the morning.
