Linden Police have issued the following tips for preventing housebreaking and theft:
· Know all emergency numbers.
· Keep your cellphone in the bedroom.
· Never leave keys in a gate or lock.
· The locks on outside doors should be changed when you move into a new home or after keys have been lost or stolen.
· Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember, outside lights that are on during the day draw the attention of thieves.
· Mail left in the gate is also a sign that nobody is home. Get a friend or neighbour to regularly keep an eye on your property and to remove mail and newspapers.
· Use lighting to your advantage
· Lights that are on inside while it is dark outside put to you a disadvantage.
· Lights that are on the outside when it is dark inside allow you to observe what is going on outside without being seen.
· Curtains should be closed after dark to prevent suspects from seeing inside the home.
· Never leave workers or contractors unattended in your home.
· Do not leave ladders standing around.
· Conducts thorough background checks before employing anyone (permanent or casual workers). Request their identity document and make a copy for safekeeping. Check their references and do security clearances at the police station.
· Be careful what is discussed in front of staff.
· Don’t leave a garage, front or back door open or partially open – it serves as an invitation for burglars.
· Inform police of any suspicious characters who you consider may pose a threat.
Tips for preventing robbery at a business premises:
· Employ surveillance cameras strategically and implement some form of entrance and exit control. Make sure persons can be clearly identified by cameras as the video footage assists SAPS.
· Keep premises well-illuminated inside and outside.
· Take special precautionary measures at opening and closing times. Ensure that two or more staff members can be present when the premises is being looked or unlocked.
· Place static panic buttons in strategic areas of your store.
