Police identify reasons why it’s so easy to break into houses

Parkview police have identified contributing factors that can make breaking into houses easier for criminals in homes around Johannesburg.

Read Hijacking hotspots in Johannesburg

According to Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, spokesperson for the station, the following factors need to be taken seriously to curb housebreakings:

• Leaving bathroom windows open at night and when leaving home, even for a quick visit to the supermarket
• Not activating your alarm
• Keeping large shrubs and trees clear of entrance gates as they provide hiding places for criminals
• If you have a double-storey house, ensure that there is no access to the upper rooms via the branches of a large nearby tree
• If you have modifications done at your home, ensure the legitimacy of the builders and labourers through the contractor
• Beware of criminals posing as builders, electricians and other tradesmen who con domestic workers into opening the gate. They often drive around in a bakkie with a ladder
• Please be warned and advise your staff not to admit anyone you have not told them about.

Do you have you any other useful tips? Tweet @RK_Gazette and let us know.