Property related crimes have increased drastically in Randfontein and a local security company has revealed some disturbing crime trends.
According to EPR Operations Manager Mac van Zyl, it seems as though criminals in Randfontein will leave no stone unturned to get their way, and a major problem is that many residents do not report incidents of crime to the Randfontein SAPS.
“At no point must residents keep mum about any criminal act no matter how small it is,” says van Zyl.
“If you see something suspicious with regards to certain people making suspicious rounds in the area, do not hesitate to report this to the police.
“People will be surprised at how many criminals can be stopped in their tracks before they can strike,” says van Zyl
He adds that people have a responsibility to also keep themselves and their homes safe.
“People must not forget that criminals are also human and they are scared.
“Owing to this, what we have come to realize is that most of the property related crimes are planned well in advance.
“In our reactions, we have established that prior to a lot of burglaries or house break-ins, suspects tend to break a window or tamper with the doors just to see if there is any kind of reaction
“Should there be no response from anyone or an alarm that goes off, criminals then go into the property to do their business,” says van Zyl
He adds that it is unfortunate that this is how things tend to happen however some of these cases can very well be avoided.
“Residents need to come on board and actually improve their ways of keeping safe,”
He urges people not to display any valuable items in their yards because that is how they sometimes get targeted.
“A mere expensive braai stand left where it is visible to see is enough to lure most criminals.
“To them it is a signal that there are other valuable items in the property.”