Recent statistics from Africacheck.org – a non-profit organisation set up in 2012 to promote accuracy in public debate and the media in Africa – reveal some truly shocking figures about robberies and burglaries in South Africa.
It’s said an average of 686 houses are burgled every day, while an average of 57 are robbed. This amounts to a staggering quarter of a million burglaries (where victims aren’t confronted), and nearly 21 000 robberies (where victims are confronted) each year.
“The police recorded a decrease of 1,2 percent in house burglaries in the 2015/ 2016 financial year. However, we are urging people to be on guard and step-up security at their homes,” advised Graham Craggs, a Budget Insurance spokesperson.
Craggs recommends the following 12 must-do, practical tips to avoid becoming a victim:
• Fit all access doors with security gates and install burglar bars on windows.
• Install electric perimeter fencing if it’s feasible – be sure to check for vulnerable points where objects like telephone posts or trees make it easy to jump the fence.
• Use access gates that don’t require you to get out of your car to open them, as this makes you an easy target for criminals. Also be sure to look out for any suspicious vehicles or individuals when entering your property.
• When possible, change your daily routine to make it more difficult for criminals to predict when you’ll be home.
• Don’t tempt criminals by leaving things like lawnmowers and vehicles outside for extended periods of time.
• Cut away tree branches and remove objects like garden tools that could be used as leverage for getting into the house.
• Cut away all trees and shrubbery that could provide a space for robbers to hide.
• Install an alarm system to provide an early warning of a security breach. This should be linked up to a reputable armed response service and include a panic button system.
• Notify your security company when you won’t be at home for extended periods of time.
• Store irreplaceable, sentimental items in a safe that is firmly bolted to the wall or floor.
• Consider installing a good quality HD CCTV system that covers all access points to your home – this not only serves as a deterrent, but could also help to put criminals behind bars.
• Be sure to verify the identity of, and do a basic reference check on, any domestic workers, garden workers or contractors that you employ.
Also read:
Armed robbers target supermarket
Warning: Female crooks armed and dangerous
Armed robberies at malls – Gauteng the highest targeted
Armed robbers overpower tenants
