House robbery tactics: here is what to look out for

Homeowners are urged to exercise caution when opening the gate or door for a stranger.

First ask the person for official identification, and for a plausible explanation as to why they need access to the property.
Fidelity Services Group head of communication and marketing Charnel Hattingh urged residents to never blindly accept whatever they are told.

“One might identify himself as a phone technician, a municipal inspector, a satellite dish installer, or even a census taker, but residents must always ask questions. If possible, ask for the phone number of an office or a manager who could independently verify the reasons for the visit to avoid being a victim of house robbery,” she said.

“Most [house robbery] cases occurred after a homeowner allowed someone into their home, who pretended to be someone else.

“Opportunistic criminals are always looking for easy targets and they often pretend to be some sort of service provider to gain entry to homes where they have no legitimate reason to be.

“These criminals rely on the good-naturedness of people, and that whatever story they tell would be accepted at face value. Current crime levels sadly mean we have to be sceptical and insist on proper identification before opening the door.

“In cases where you still feel uneasy, the simplest option is to call the nearest police station, neighbourhood watch, or your security company to send someone to assist.

“Most reputable service providers will always have staff members with armed response officers who have visible ID badges on them, and technicians only work on an appointment basis.

“Make sure anyone who lives with you or works in your house when you are not there understands the importance of being careful about opening for unknown visitors.

“We also ask people to report to the SAPS any attempts by ‘impersonators’ to enter your home. This information is vital for the police and security agencies to build a better picture of the current crime trends in your suburb,” she said.

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