House robberies claim lives in President Park

The number of house robberies has increased in the President Park area and, in some cases, homeowners have been killed.

Midrand Community Policing Forum chairperson, Steven Johnstone said the forum is urging the community to be alert. He stated, “People need to be more aware of their surroundings. We have had three murders in the area in the last week due to house robberies. People need to lock their doors and security gates.

“If you are confronted by criminals do not fight them as they are often armed and very dangerous. Don’t look them in the eyes and let them take what they want. Your life is worth more than material possessions.”

Safety tips:

• 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.
• Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
• The following devices prevent easy access – window bars, security doors, security gates, razor wire, additional locking devices on door, strengthening of doors, peepholes in the doors, safety chains on doors, intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage.
• An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
• A few switches or panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.
• Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding. The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.