What can we, as residents, do with regards to the crowbar house break-ins?
The following commonalities have been noted:
1. All homes targeted have armed response companies and the alarms were activated at the time.
2. The alarm LED light, which shows that the alarm is activated, is visible from the street.
3. Most homes were in darkness and showed no signs of someone being at home.
4. Door bells are being rung and, when not answered, is another indication that no-one is home.
5. The rubbish bin is left outside the whole day, which is also an indication that no-one has come home or is at home.
6. Post boxes have not been cleared.
7. The drive way gates and other security gates are “light” in construction, with no anti-lift brackets.
This is what we can do: TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF NO. 1….
1. Become more involved in our community – be vigilant – keep our eyes on our streets. Report suspicious vehicles and persons.
2. Criminals do not want to be caught. A case of house robbery (where someone is in the home when the break-in occurs) is far more serious than a house break-in (where no-one is home). Use timing devices to switch lights on. Hide the LED alarm light, so that it is not visible from the outside. If you are at home, make sure that it is obvious. Have lights on inside, always answer if someone rings your doorbell.
3. Fit anti-lift brackets on your gates.
4. Always answer your doorbell if it is rung. If no-one answers you, and you can’t see anyone, do not go outside. Call SAPS or your NHW using their WhatsApp group or you security provider.
5. Don’t leave your home in total darkness. Ensure that you know the dark spots in your garden and fit lights to cover these.
6. Don’t leave your bin out at all. It can be used as a ladder, to hide stolen property, suspects can hide in it and it also indicates whether you are home or not.
In the event that you are at home during a house robbery, please do not resist. Nothing that you own is more valuable than your life. Have an emergency plan in place, a safe room and a means of communication, other than your cell phone.