This follows a drastic increase in residential burglaries all over Brakpan, with 10 cases being reported to local police last weekend alone.
On Friday, a television set, jewellery and a sound system were stolen from a home along Germains Avenue.
Four break-ins took place on Saturday.
Various household items, including television sets, cellphones, laptops, electrical appliances and cash were stolen from homes along Glamorgan Avenue and Bayley Street, Dalpark, Koos Vorster Avenue, Minnebron, and Alliance Road, Withok Estates.
On Sunday, homes along Hendrik Street, Sunair Park, Bertie Meyer Crescent, Minnebron, Wordsworth Street, Dalpark, and Jansen Street, Brakpan North, were broken into.
Television sets, liquor, games consoles, laptops, garden tools and other goods were stolen.
A break-in was also reported at a home along Etosha Avenue, Dalpark, and while nothing was stolen, the house had been ransacked.
Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, told the Herald that police are concerned about the increase.
“This time of year usually signals a rise in break-ins and we plead with residents to ensure their homes are properly protected against criminal invasion,” said Joubert.
“Just because it’s the holidays, it doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.
“The weather is warmer, so people tend to leave windows and sliding doors open.
“This is an open invitation.”
In addition, police have also noticed a rise in general theft.
“This is an opportunistic crime,” said Joubert.
“Tools and bicycles just left in the garden are easy pickings for criminals.
“They see it and grab it; don’t leave anything of value out in the open.”
To prevent housebreakings and theft, Joubert also advised residents and business owners to be careful whom they employ, especially casual workers.
“Do not hire people off the streets,” he warned.
“If you must, do thorough background checks, take a photo and get a copy of their ID book, as well as the address of their next of kin,” he said.
“It is also important to be cautious when letting people into your house to do jobs such as tiling, painting or cleaning your couch.
“Get references and use only reputable service providers.”
