Criminals are using more and more ingenious ways to steal from innocent, law-abiding citizens according to a statement realeased by ADT Security.
By knowing how they go about their thieving business and modus operandi, which has been confirmed by the security company, residents can be more vigilant and keep their families, their homes and themselves protected:
- Surveillance: Be aware of any security lights aiming up or away from the designed area of surveillance and also CCTV cameras and sensors that are moved prior to robberies taking place. This also applies to neighbours’ cameras and security lights.
- Pedestrians: Be on the lookout for perpetrators threatening pedestrians and stealing cellphones.
- Con artist couple: A man and woman, who say she is pregnant, ask pedestrians if they can use a cellphone and then run off with the phone.
- Luxury vehicles: Criminals often use expensive SUV-type vehicles when committing crime, which makes it difficult for residents to know if they are fellow residents or in fact suspects. If you are at all suspicious, please call it in.
- Construction workers: Building sites are sometimes associated with an increase in crime in an area. This is due to an influx of contractors and workers who are not usually present in the neighbourhood.
- Criminal records: Ensure that all staff are checked for a criminal record before you employ them. This applies to permanent staff but also to painters and builders and casual workers.
- Valuables in cars: Do not leave valuables in cars. Insist that your visitors bring in their laptops/tablets when visiting you. Do not park your car on the street.
- Domestic workers: Residents need to make sure that their domestic workers are properly briefed and know that under no circumstances should they let anyone onto the property if not previously arranged with the home owner. Warn them not to fall for suspects posing as service providers. They should not open for “pregnant women needing a lift to hospital”, the “neighbour’s gardener requesting help”, or for any other sob story they may be told.
- Report crime: It is extremely important to report all incidents to the SAPS even if it is an attempted incident. They need to know the full extent of the criminal activity in the area so they can manage resources accordingly.
Details: ADT Security 0860 100 911
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