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.