Roodepoort Police’s spokesperson, Captain Juanita Yorke, has released a press statement highlighting new crime hot spots and what precautions residents can take in order to not fall victim to the criminals.
The Record is publishing the document verbatim in two parts.
The areas identified per sector are as follows:
• Sector 4: CBD Roodepoort and Matholesville
• Sector 2: Witpoortjie, Princess and Lindhaven
• Sector 3: Roodepoort North and Horison
• Sector 1: Wilropark and Roodekraans
In the past few weeks, there has been an increase in residential and business burglaries, motor vehicle theft, theft from motor vehicles, thefts off motor vehicles, common assault, and assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm in these areas.
The following safety tips are recommended by Yorke:
Safety awareness at home:
1. Fences/ Walls
•A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall as it provides improved visibility.
• The primary aim of the fence is to make access/ intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
• Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
• Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar-proofing covering all windows, are recommended.
2. The following devices prevent easy access:
• Window bars
• Security doors
• Security gates
• Razor wire
• Additional locking devices on doors
• Strengthening of doors
• Peepholes in the doors
• Safety chains on doors
• Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage
3. Alarm Systems
• An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
• In the rural environment a siren/ alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/ panic button in the house, is recommended.
• A few switches/ panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.
• An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.
Examples of alarm systems:
• Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)
• Improvised systems, such as
• Threaded tins
• Threaded pieces of iron
• Gravel on window panes, pathways or around the home
• Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
• Biological systems, such as
• Dogs
• Geese
• Ostriches
4. Security Lights
• Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.
• The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.
• Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.
5. Safety Precautions
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
• If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbour of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc. that can be used in an attack are locked away when not in use.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.
• Remain awake for a while.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/ a visit, e.g. if your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.
• Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge, such as the bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
• The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
• Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.
• Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
• Take photographs of all employees. It could be to your advantage to be able to identify them, if required.
• Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contributes to the prevention of crime.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep copies of all your employees’ identity documents (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.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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