Armed response offers guidance following home invasions

The nightmare scenario – waking up in the middle of the night with armed men standing at your bedside, shouting instructions and demanding possessions.
According to Beagle Watch armed response, this scenario has become all too real for a number of residents during the past month.

Beagle Watch’s managing director, André Aiton says that within the first few weeks of 2024, seven of their clients had already experienced home invasions.
“We believe the steady increase in incidents, such as home invasions, is a combination of economic circumstances, exorbitantly high unemployment figures, and large numbers of homeless people who are living far below the breadline,” explains Aiton, adding that the area’s more affluent suburbs are most often targeted.
Home invasions can take place at any time of the day or night, and the time of day can affect the modus operandi, says Aiton.

“If they don’t feel comfortable because maybe a neighbour saw them or they get the idea that the security company was informed or a panic signal activated, it will be quick. Most of the time, these incidents last less than seven minutes. However, the home invasions where they surprise a sleeping family and feel they were not noticed, can carry on for hours. These are mostly in the early morning hours and they will take their time ransacking the house in search of valuables.”

The typical items targeted by these individuals are TVs, laptops, cellphones, cash, firearms, jewellery and motor vehicles. Expensive liquor collections have also often been targeted. Criminals are also experts at capitalising on opportunities, such as family gatherings and get-togethers, says Aiton. “We often see a rise in injuries and other accidents over holidays and weekends, so we urge clients to always be aware of possible safety risks.”

The intruders are most often armed with firearms but have also been known to use pangas, axes, pick handles and pick heads to force entry. Victims are usually forced into one room and tied up before the intruders ransack the home.
Aiton confirms that while some home intruders are aggressive, others are polite and reassuring to their victims, saying that they will not be harmed if they cooperate.
For this reason, Aiton suggests that victims stay clam, refrain from making eye contact or speaking to the robbers (unless spoken to), and giving them what they ask for, including the safe’s code or key.

As a neighbour, should you suspect that a home invasion is taking place in real time, Aiton suggests the following, “Stay calm, make contact with your private security service provider, contact 10111, give them as much detail as possible. Stay in a safe space and don’t make a noise. Stay out of sight from the suspects, bearing in mind that they often have a watchman keeping guard while the others are inside. Never run towards them or approach them or shout at them; remember your actions could change a home invasion into a hostage situation. Your actions can also aggravate the robbers who are already on the edge. We want to avoid any exchanges of fire at all cost.”
Beagle Watch offers free risk assessments as well as free security and safety for children and staff.

INFO BOX
Beagle Watch’s André Aiton had the following advice for readers:

Should there be a home invasion –
• Try to remain as calm and as quiet as possible.
• Do not resist and do not make eye contact with the intruders.
• Do not have any discussion with the suspects and only speak to them when spoken to.
• Raise your hands or lie down and do not move.
• If possible, raise a silent panic activation.
• Be as cooperative as possible – you want them to get out of your home as quickly as possible.
• Give them what they want. If you have a safe, give them the code or key
• Try to remember any distinguishing features, such as clothing, vehicle details or weapons.

Related Article: Armed robbers shot a Beagle Watch officer as he provided backup at a home in Fairland