Theft and housebreaking remain a problem in the city

For the past few months, housebreaking and theft has consistently been two of the most common crimes experienced across Mogale City.

On January 18 and 19, Mapogo A Mathamaga Security again responded to both such incidents just a few hours apart.

Also read: Four nabbed for housebreaking in Magalies

At 11:24 on January 18, they responded to a break-in at a premises in Walnut Street, Breaunanda. The suspects had entered the premises and broke two windows. They managed to steal a laptop and then fled the scene in a silver Volkswagen Polo. Early the next morning at 00:24 on January 19, Mapogo responded to a theft incident in Human Street in Krugersdorp’s CBD. The suspects had entered the premises by cutting razor wire. They went on to steal copper pipes and couplings.

Also read: Munsieville man sentenced for two separate housebreaking, theft cases

Some safety tips the police has shared to keep yourself safe at home:
• A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.
• The primary aim of the fence is to make access/ intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
• Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
• Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

The following devices prevent easy access:
• Window bars
• Security doors
• Security gates
• Razor wire
• Additional locking devices on doors
• Strengthening of doors
• Peepholes in the doors
• Safety chains to doors
• Intercom system between the home and gate.

Safety precautions:
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
• If you leave your residence, inform your family or neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work or a visit, eg, your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge, ie, bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
• The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
• Involve employees as they are part of the family or team.
• Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to the police.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
• Take photographs of all employees.
• Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep copies of all your employees – Identity Documents (ID’s).
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.