Police warn residents of increasing incidents of house robberies.
Linden Police Station has pleaded with residents to be a little more careful and vigilant as such cases continue to be reported at the station. Captain Alex Vermaak confirmed that all four of their sectors are affected by the trend with the suburbs of Linden, Blairgowrie, Fontainebleau and Malanshof being the prime targeted hotspots.
He explained, “The standard modus operandi is to lift the electronic gate with a pick head and attack the front gate with a crow bar. Various groups have been identified.”
Vermaak said the return of load-shedding has also allowed them to realise that many residents’ alarm system batteries need to be tested and possible replaced. These discoveries have encouraged the police to ramp up their efforts in raising awareness around this crime and how to best protect themselves, families and property. The station has provided a few tips which residents can use to increase their safety and security.
Linden Police Station house robbery safety tips:
- Ensure that your burglar gates and doors are locked at all times.
- Do not open and leave windows open that do not have burglar bars
- Keep outside lights on during the night.
- Do not open doors for strangers and verify all service calls.
- Communicate with trustworthy neighbours to keep an eye on your home whenever you are not around
- Report suspicious activities immediately to the police or your security company.
- Do not take anyone from the street to assist with tasks in and around your house.
The following tips help in safeguarding gate motors against theft and property against a home invasion:
- Ensure the gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket which is locked at all times.
- Make use of a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage. Preferably opt for an insurance-rated padlock.
- Instal adequate anti-lift brackets and welding a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards.
- Combine mechanical anti-theft systems, such as traditional theft-resistant cages, with electronic notification devices, for example, sound bombs and GSM units which are able to send notifications to users when the device’s inputs are triggered.
