Month-end weekend provides easy pickings for criminals

Residents are warned to remain vigilant as the month-end weekend approaches.

According to the head of communications and marketing for Fidelity ADT, Charnel Hattingh, they have picked up a trend in the past two months in which criminals have been earmarking vulnerable homes and easy pickings.

“We have seen a spike in the number of house break-ins over month-end weekends in recent months,” she said.
“Perpetrators are lifting gates off the rails and breaking down the front door.”

Hattingh said the incidents happened on Saturday and Sunday evenings between 17:00 and 20:00 and the culprits steal quick-to-sell items like laptops, television sets and cellphones.

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and ensure wherever possible that outside beams are activated to act as an early warning signal.

“The best defence against burglars, thieves or armed robbers is to make your property as unattractive to criminals as possible,” she said.

“Implement extra precautions to keep your belongings safe, inside and outside.

“Laptops should not be stored visibly unless the doors are locked and barred.”

She offered the following safety tips residents can take into consideration:

• Trim trees and shrubs so they cannot be used as a hiding place and ensure the yard, pathways and dark corners are well-lit.

• Check your burglar bars and security gates for rust or weak spots as these weak spots can be easily broken or forced open.

• Ensure the household, including domestic staff, know when and how to use the alarm system and panic buttons.

They should know who to call in an emergency as well – 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 that they have an appointment.

• Make sure the alarm system is armed overnight or when anyone is home alone. If possible, lock inter-leading doors to rooms that are not used overnight and keep a cellphone at the bedside in case of an emergency. Always keep your panic button with you.

• Check your security often. This includes testing your alarm and panic buttons at least once a month. It also includes walls, gates and any entry points on your property and house

• Get to know your neighbours. Neighbours are often the ones to notice something amiss in your neighbourhood and on your property. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch.