Linden Police Station communication officer Sergeant Takalani Sibiya said that there is an increase in house robberies during load-shedding and residents need to be more careful and sharpen up security at their homes.
During load-shedding hours many alarms battery systems are unable to fully recharge and most of the alarms are being disturbed, which makes the criminals take advantage.
“We would like to warn the community about load-shedding crimes. Criminals are keeping a close eye on schedules and extended periods of power outage in the area.”
She added that the danger of load-shedding comes about when the streets lights, alarm systems, gate motors and electrical fencing are off – making it easier for the criminals to gain access to the houses or properties.
This follows two recent cases that took place in Malanshof and Blaigowrie where items to the value of R250 000 were stolen in two house robberies.
“During load-shedding in Malanshof, three males entered the house and tied up the13-year-old boy. They ransacked the house and took the television, laptops and a wrist watch, all to the value of R50 000. In another incident, on Geneva Road, Blaigowrie, an 82-year-old lady was robed off her two vehicle and items taken from the house – all to the value of R200 000.”
Sibiya shares safety tips during load-shedding:
- Always remain vigilan
- Make sure that you have your mobile panic button system ready/handy
- Always have a torch readily available
- Save all emergency contact information
- Ensure that your alarm system is in a working condition
- Always keep your cellphones charged
- Ensure that you have tested your alarm system before the power goes off
- Try and have a backup battery that can be attached to your alarm.
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