Following recent housebreakings, attempted robberies and dog poisonings in the Lindhaven area, the Roodepoort police released housebreaking safety tips.
This after a Record journalist brought crime reports in the area to Vincent Mashiteng’s attention, who acts as spokesperson for the Roodepoort SAPS.
Mashiteng was helpful in releasing sector safety kits for Sectors 1, 2, 3 and 4 and gave safety tips to avoid house robberies, housebreaking and theft, which crime he says “leads to unnecessary suffering and impoverishment”.
“If you buy stolen goods, more victims will suffer, because you provide a market for these goods and an incentive for criminals to keep stealing them.
“As thieves go about stealing goods to meet the demand for stolen goods they often commit other crimes along the way, such as murder, assault and rape.
“House robbery is committed when someone uses violence or threatens to use violence against a person in order to steal something on the residential premises.”
Mashiteng says that should a resident’s house be broken into, they should contact their nearest police station immediately.
“Wait until fingerprints and statements are taken before touching anything.”
He also warned that private security companies should not enter the house or touch anything prior to the police arriving.
“A list of the make, model and serial numbers of electrical appliances and other valuable equipment should always be available for investigation purposes.”
Mashiteng urges residents to know all emergency numbers applicable to their area.
Additionally, residents are urged to make provision for proper outdoor lighting and to switch it on should they ever hear dogs barking or strange noises outside of the house.
Residents are warned to switch off lights during the day and fetch their post from the postbox daily, as these can be considered signs that no one is home.
In addition residents are asked to keep copies of the identity documents of those they employ, and to do security clearances with the police.
“Be aware of those individuals who visit the premises for business purposes, deliveries and repairs.”
Sector police numbers in case of emergency:
• Sector 1 – 071 675 7125, 071 675 7126, 071 675 7127, 071 675 7137 (Roodekrans, Wilro Park, Witpoortjie, Princess, Groblers Park, Helderkruin)
• Sector 2 – 071 675 7130, 071 675 7131 (Horison, Roodepoort North, Discovery, Ontdekkers Park, Georginia, Honeyhills, Honeyheights, Westgate Mall, Princess Crossing, Wilro Park, Helderkruin)
• Sector 3 – 071 675 7132, 071 675 7135 (Lindhaven, Reefhaven, Roodepoort West, Roodepoort CBD, Davidsonville, Sol Plaatjes, Creswell Park, Durban Deep, Matholesville)
• Sector 4 – 071 675 7129, 071 675 7139 (Slovoville, Tshepisong, Ebumnandini, Leratong, Doornkop, Lufhereng)
The following tips were given:
• A watch dog serves as a valuable early warning system. Keep your pets visible as a deterrent but beyond the reach of strangers.
• Install the best security you can afford. If possible, fix your front and back doors with a door viewer and latch chain.
• Make sure that you have not been followed before entering the premises. Be aware of persons loitering in the street.
• Keep your keys safe to prevent duplication and make sure they’re kept in a safe space that is not visible from the door.
• Do not leave keys in hidden places or give keys to people not living on the property. Robbers often stake out a house and can pick up on hiding spots.
• Know your neighbors and inform them if you’re going away.
• Build a network in your neighborhood that can serve as your backup in case of emergency.
• Keep cash, valuables and firearms in a safe.
