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.
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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.
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