Be alert during load shedding, warns Hillcrest SAPS
Hillcrest SAPS has shared tips to help prevent house robberies, house breakings and theft.
HILLCREST police have urged residents to be extra cautious during load shedding as they have noticed an increase in housebreakings.
Captain Linzi Smith, Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, advised residents to ensure equipment and items such as bicycles, braai stands and garden tools are stored away and not visible at night.
ALSO READ: Crime spikes in Highway suburbs, warns security company
Smith also advised residents to keep their security gates locked if doors are left open.
“Items left in full view are precipitating factors in allowing perpetrators to come onto properties to take these items. If doors and security gates are left open, it allows easy access,” warned Smith.
She said another tip is to try and keep the entrance to the property and fencing clear of shrubs and bushes as this allows more visibility and lighting to entrances.
“During load shedding one can purchase solar lights and place them at the property entrance, driveway and doors,” she said.
“Having bushes around allows perpetrators to hide and wait for victims. During load shedding we need to be extra vigilant and take steps to prevent criminals from taking advantage. There are many places one can purchase solar or rechargeable lights from unless one can afford a personal generator or an inverter,” she added.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za)
