eMBALENHLE – Police warned residents to protect their property as housebreakings are increasing in the area.
Capt Magonseni Nkosi, police spokesman, issued the following tips:
• Always ensure that doors are properly closed and locked when you are not at home.
• If you leave your residence for a long period, inform your family or neighbours of your whereabouts in order for them to report all suspicious people and vehicles.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks and ladders that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to police immediately.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference. Keep copies of all your employees’ IDs.
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours, so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.
• Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.
• Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
• Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.
• Change locks when keys are lost.
• Never leave windows open during the day when you are not at home.
Capt Nkosi said: “Residents must remember to give a description of the people’s clothing and the type and colour of vehicles when they report suspicious people, activities or vehicles.
“If these tips are adhered to, we can win the battle against housebreakings.”
