Stay alert as crime spikes in Secunda

A warning goes out to residents to be more alert because of a spike in crime, mainly house burglaries and robberies, thefts from motor vehicles and cyber/SMS scamming.

According to Secunda SAPS station commander Colonel Nomakhwezi Vena-Sigo, house burglaries and robberies rose by 40%, especially in sectors two and three.

She said homeowners leave windows, gates and doors open and do not lock up like they should, creating an open invitation for criminal activity.

“We have homeowners who go away and leave windows open and gates not securely locked,” said Sigo.

She said this makes it easier for criminals to access the property and home. Other thefts are of tools, bicycles or anything that catches a criminal’s eye that they can carry from a property.

The CBD is a hotspot for thefts from motor vehicles and remote jamming.

“Crimes such as these are reported daily. At least 20% of the crimes reported weekly are thefts out of motor vehicles happening around the CBD,” said Sigo.

She said motorists leave their valuables visible. Again, this is an open invitation to criminals. Criminals also use remote jamming.

“We must be more vigilant of our surroundings. Ensure you lock your vehicle properly before leaving it unattended,” said Sigo.

She said motorists must not click buttons on remotes and assume everything is locked.

“Walk around and see that all your doors are properly locked,” said Sigo.

A crime rarely is solved, which remains a big problem, is scamming people out of money. Many of these fraud cases involve people receiving calls from what they believe to be their banks.

The victims are told there is unusual activity on their bank account. Not knowing it is a scammer, the victim then divulges personal details and OTP numbers.

“Your bank will never call you. If you suspect suspicious activity, go into your bank and enquire yourself,” said Sigo.

She said the criminals can access your SIM card and get hold of all your personal information.