The lockdown has had a definite effect on certain kinds of crime.
SAPS Newcastle has revealed the increase and decrease in crime types, for the period April to May 2020. Housebreakings (residential) and stock theft have increased, while thefts out of motor vehicles, motor vehicle theft, fraud, shoplifting and general theft have decreased.
SAPS is also taking proactive measures to safeguard residents. This includes patrols by a housebreaking task team, tracing of wanted suspects by the Rapid Response Team and assistance in lifting fingerprints at crime scenes by the Criminal Record Centre.
SAPS Newcastle has also released a series of tips, to help prevent residents falling victim to the crimes aforementioned.
Tips to avoid falling victim to housebreaking
- Ensure all doors are locked at all times and windows are closed, when you are not at home
- Large dogs serve as a deterrent – at least one should be trained to sleep inside a home
- When leaving your home, inform family or neighbours of what time you expect to return
- Lock away tools and equipment when they are not in use – they can be used by attackers
- Vary your daily routine
- Get into the habit of remaining awake for a short time after turning off the lights
- When in your bedroom, you should not be visible from the outside – hang curtains etc.
- Always keep a torch nearby but when using it, do not easily give away your position
- If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work or a visit – for example your dogs do not meet you at the gate – rather contact a neighbour for assistance
- Identify relatively safe places you can take refuge in, such as a storeroom or bathroom – the fewer windows and doors the room has, the better
- Employees are part of the team – they should this be involved in maintaining your security
- Report any suspicious behaviour and information to your nearest SAPS branch – SAPS Newcastle can be reached on 034 314 6156
- Clear the areas around your entry gates of bushes and potential hiding places
- Take photographs of all employees – this will help if they need to be identified
- Remunerate employees when they provide useful information contributing to crime prevention
- Do not employee casual workers without a reference
- Keep copies of the identity documents of all employees
- Foster a good relationship with your neighbours so you can support and help one another
It helps to mark your belongings
SAPS Newcastle commented that many residents did not keep a list of serial numbers of items they own, which makes it difficult to claim recovered stolen items.
“The police have arrested a lot of people in possession of suspicious and stolen property; unless the items are identified by the owner, it becomes hard to sentence the suspect.”
Residents should also avoid purchasing any items which are suspicious or may be stolen, as this gives criminals a market to continue stealing. Such items should be reported, lest you also fall victim.
Stock theft safety tips
- Ensure animals have been marked appropriately – farmers are encouraged to use livestock identification systems
- Farm owners should secure their boundaries by keeping fences and gates in good repair and ensuring gates have sturdy locks and hinges – loading ramps should also be situated away from perimeter fencing wherever possible
- Maintain accurate records, including livestock numbers, registration details, personal profiles of individual animals and livestock movement data – this will help determine whether livestock has been stolen and approximately when and where incidents have occurred
“Good records help police in their investigations and increase the likelihood of tracking down missing animals and the criminals who have stolen them.”
- A community that works together is the best defence against crime – let neighbours know when you will be away from the farm and leave contact information; ask them to keep an eye out for strangers and strange vehicles entering the property and ask them to contact you if any problems arise
- Report all incidents of livestock crime to the police.
ALSO READ: Newcastle SAPS warns residents to be vigilant
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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