Avoid becoming a robbery victim with these tips from SAPS Newcastle

Crime fighters report an increase in housebreakings and robberies in Lennoxton.

Use these tips to prevent crime in your home.

Local crime fighters are facing a possible syndicate, which could be behind the spate of robberies and housebreaking incidents in Lennoxton recently.

Following a recent robbery in the area, the Newcastle Advertiser contacted both SAPS Newcastle and Imran Ghafoor of Newcastle 911 for comment and advice.

Newcastle SAPS has also provided safety tips for residents, to hopefully prevent housebreaking incidents:

Never leave keys in a gate or lock
If you move into a new home or lose your keys, change all outside door locks as soon as possible
Provide good outdoor lighting, but outsides lights on during the day draw attention
Mail left in the gate or on the doorstep is a good sign no one is at home – ask a friend or neighbour to remove these and keep an eye on your property
Use lighting to your advantage – putting inside lights on while it is dark outside make you easier to watch, while the opposite allows you to observe what is happening outside
Close curtains after dark, to prevent suspects from observing what is happening inside your house
Never leave workmen unattended in your home
Do not leave ladders in places where robbers can easily make use of them
Conduct thorough background checks before employing permanent or casual workers
Be careful what you discuss in front of employees
Don’t leave the garage or doors open or even partially open – this is an invitation to criminals
Never open the door or gate automatically when someone knocks or rings – ensure you are expecting a visit
Unsuspecting domestic workers, garden workers and children are often approached by robbers pretending to be municipal inspectors, telephone repairmen or other professions, in order to gain access to your property – ensure everyone is aware of the dangers and help them understand being suspicious is in their interests too
Criminals have also been known to pose as police officials – real officials are identified by an identification card bearing their rank, name, photograph and service number, as well as a name plate with the police star and epaulettes indicating rank. Uniformed and plainclothes officers have to identify themselves with their card (appointment certificates)
A watchdog is a good early warning system, and should be visible as a deterrent but beyond the reach of strangers (who may attempt to poison the dog) – dogs which are outside and bark at anything are less effective
Keep a fully-charged torch and cell phone near you at night, and store all emergency numbers
If your alarm is triggered, you hear strange noises or your dogs bark, investigate with caution – rather alert law enforcement or make use of a panic button instead of going outside yourself
Install security gates on doors leading directly from your house to the garage etc
Safeguard the area where you sleep – install a gate in the passage leading to your bedroom but ensure there are fire escape routes
When returning home, ensure it is safe to enter and you have not been followed – be wary of people near the entrance, vehicles which slow down when you stop or any unusual activity
Keep the entrance to your property clear of plants or obstacles, which could provide a hiding place for robbers when you come or go
Keep your keys safe to prevent their duplication – never leave keys under a mat or in a pot
Once your door is locked, remove the key and keep it somewhere safe and out of reach
Be cautious when feeding the dog or taking out refuse at night – another family member should keep you in sight until you are safely back inside
Build a relationship of trust and support with your neighbour and inform them if you will be away from home for a time
Limit the access to your personal information, your movements and what is inside your home
If you suspect there is criminal activity happening at a neighbour’s home, contact SAPS or a security company, make a noise and switch on lights, but do not attempt to intervene yourself
Draw up a home emergency plan and ensure your family is familiar on what to do in an emergency