WITH the festive season in full swing, homeowners are at risk of becoming victims of burglaries – who have many modus operandi.
One home in Empangeni was broken into as the intruders by-passed the alarm system, entering through the ceiling before ransacking the home.
The home, which belongs to a prominent pastor in the area,was stripped clean of valuables and home accessories on what is believed to be Sunday night.
According to a source, while it’s not uncommon to find burglars entering homes through ceilings, it is a trend that seems to be coming back.
Homeowners are being encouraged to remain vigilant during the festive season.
Captain Chris de Wet of the Empangeni K9 Unit said that the public needs to be the eyes and ears of the police.
‘Members of the public must get into the habit of being vigilant and conscious of their surroundings.
‘These days, nowhere is safe.
‘In the past we were able to identify crime hot spots but in recent times it has been very difficult because anyone can be a victim of crime.
‘People must understand that criminals are opportunists.
‘If you are going away on holiday you should ask your neighbours to keep their eyes and ears open for any activity that may happen on your property whilst you are gone.’
De Wet said that people need to get back into that habit of community and getting to know each other.
‘We need to be able to know who are neighbours are and what vehicles they drive.
‘It is our (police) responsibility to protect you but you are the commander of your own security.’
Safety tips:
De Wet further issued a number of safety tips that the public should adhere to, not only during the festive season, but at all times:
• When drawing money from an ATM or from within the bank itself, always be aware of who is around you and if someone follows you when you leave.
• Never accept help from anyone at an ATM.
• Do not walk around with large sums of cash; this can draw attention if someone has been watching you.
• If someone is following you whilst you drive, never turn into a driveway, rather drive past your home and to your nearest police station.
• When you approach your home, never park in the driveway whilst you open the gate; rather stop in the road, open you gate and then proceed to enter your property.
• We are all aware of remote jamming and the jamming of signals. When you alarm your vehicle always double check if it’s locked by attempting to open the doors.
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