WITH an influx of house break-ins being reported recently, and the festive season approaching, Brighton Beach Police urge residents to remain alert and take precautions.
Captain Louise Le Roux, the station’s spokesperson, said there have been several incidents reported within the Brighton Beach policing precinct, which include Clairwood and The Bluff.
Also read: Brighton Beach police urge public to be vigilant as crime increases
She said, however, the highest number of incidents reported occurred on The Bluff.
“The incidents are occurring during the day and night and are scattered throughout the sector. We urge residents to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to secure their properties, which may assist in decreasing and stabilising this stubborn crime trend,” she said.
Le Roux added that residents are urged to report those with criminal intentions anonymously to the SAPS Crime Stop Tip-off line on 08600 10111 or register on the MySAPS App on *134*10111#.
“Together, we can achieve safer communities.”
Le Roux offers a few guidelines to assist in preventing a house break-in:
• Teach your domestic worker/gardener to contact the police should they see suspicious persons hanging around your premises. They should take note of their appearances and vehicle registration numbers. Affix emergency numbers within the house for easy access.
• Have security features fitted to all doors and windows. Ensure that these fixtures are of a high quality and utilised at all times.
• Have an alarm system with a panic button facility installed. Ensure that every member of the household is aware of their locations.
• Have a light switch with a sensor/timer installed. Ensure that your house has sufficient lighting, especially at night.
• Do not leave a spare key under a pot plant or door mat, but rather place spare keys out of sight.
• Ensure that all doors and windows, including those of outbuildings, are securely locked before leaving the premises.
• Don’t open your door/gates to strangers. Have a door viewer (peephole) and latch chain fitted.
• An intercom system with a CCTV camera is also a great security feature as it allows you to have controlled access to your premises.
• Trim and cut hedges and trees – criminals hide there to conceal their presence.
• A watchdog is a good alarm system. Let your dogs roam the property at night – don’t lock them away or tie them up. Affix a warning on the fence or gate. Teach your dog/s not to take food from strangers.
• Change departure and arrival times and routes as criminals monitor the movements of their targets.
• When entering or exiting your premises, be alert and vigilant at all times.
• Ensure that your house number is clearly visible. This will help with prompt response by law enforcement in cases of emergency.
• Lastly, should you fall prey to a house robbery, comply with your assailant’s instructions. Do not argue with them, make sudden movements and gestures or lie when questioned. If they catch you are lying, it could aggravate them, and the use of force may become intense, resulting in injury or death.
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