Fidelity ADT urges residents to remain vigilant about home security following a recent spike in opportunistic crime during the nationwide lockdown period.
“We have received numerous reports of theft of electronic devices such as cell phones from joggers, walkers and cyclists and even laptops and iPads through open windows or unlocked doors,” explains Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT.
Opportunistic thieves are aware that families will be working remotely from home and that children are continuing with online schooling via electronic devices. As such these criminals will be on the lookout for easy opportunities to take advantage of vulnerable properties.
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“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,” says Hattingh.
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 says just this week 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. “He was casually walking down the road, pushing one on top of each other, when he was caught by our officer. Last week unfortunately we had a couple of more serious cases where cyclists were stabbed and joggers were mugged for their valuables,” she says.
“Keep your security gates locked at all times and ensure the keys are removed. Activate early-warning systems such as garden beams or electric fencing and ensure these are linked to armed response. Make sure your alarm is working properly in all zones of the home,” adds Hattingh.
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 06:00 and 09:00 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,” Hattingh concludes.
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