Keep safe in the Lowveld this festive season

With the festive season now here, Lowvelders can, unfortunately, expect an increase in all forms of crime.

This is according to crime-fighting industry veteran Frank Swanepoel of Hi-Tech Security. “We have experienced this trend for many years now, and we have also noticed that the silly season starts even earlier year after year.”

He said criminals ‘stock up’ at this time of year in order to present gifts to family members and friends during the holiday season. “Many of the perpetrators will travel home to other geographical areas. This is the time everyone walks around with parcels and gifts, meaning it is easier to not look suspicious.”

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He said everything from TVs, inverters, batteries, computers, video games and cellphones to petrol-operated equipment, clothes and electrical appliances will be targets for theft. “Anything that looks suspicious should be reported to the authorities or your security provider. Any persons standing or wandering around for no reason or purpose should awaken suspicion.”

Swanepoel said this includes vehicles without number plates driving around slowly, as well as people standing, sitting or lying down on street corners and or near your house.

“Security companies are limited by the actions they can take, but at least potential criminals can be made aware that we know they are there. This is very important, as most of these people are up to no good and they monitor everything that occurs in the street or area,” he said.

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When it comes to taking precautions to prevent house and car break-ins, he advised the following:

Car break-ins:

• Make sure not to leave any valuables in your car, under the seats or in the boot. The perpetrators watch you; it is very obvious when you put your laptop behind the seat or in the back of your vehicle.
• Do not leave cash in your vehicle, especially when a large amount was withdrawn from an ATM or inside the bank.
• Cellphones are not safe in cubbyholes
• Ensure your vehicle is locked before you leave. Sometimes the signal is obstructed by someone blocking the signal by means of remote jamming.
• Do not leave animals or children in the car, as Lowveld temperatures can get extreme.

House break-ins:

• Set your alarm when retiring at night or leaving your residence.
• Do not leave windows open when leaving your house or while you are sleeping.
• Invest in technical systems to alert you and your security service when someone approaches the house.
• Stow away garden equipment, tools, garden furniture or anything that could be used to break into your house.
• Report suspicious movements, be it people or vehicles in your neighbourhood.
• Do not exit your house when you hear sounds you do not recognise, like someone screaming for help, gunshots or water running outside. Perpetrator may gain access and deactivate the alarm. Rather contact your security company to assist.