Most of the crime that is committed at this time of the year might appear to be opportunistic, due to suspects being fully aware that law abiding South Africans are starting to shop for the festive season.
According to Charnel Hatting, Fidelity ADT’s national marketing and communications manager, it has been proven year on year that crimes like housebreaking, theft, theft from motor vehicles and common robberies escalate between October and November.
“There is no particular pattern during which time of the day these crimes are taking place, but in housebreaking cases we can see that in a number of instances people have forgotten to activate their alarm systems or switch on their beams,” Hattingh said.
“There is also a worrying trend of gates being left open, which is a home owner’s first line of defence. In other instances we have established that criminals found a weak point in electric fences or the gates were not locked, for example.”
Theft from motor vehicles occurs more frequently at shopping centres or where people park their vehicles in the street instead of inside a secured property.
Hattingh said that common robberies and robbery with a firearm happen at random in the street. Often while victims openly show that they are in possession of a cell phone, or other property, while not being fully aware of their surroundings. She says it is key to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
“We are all struggling hence the tough economy and crime is definitely on the increase, so be aware of the risks during this period. In the unfortunate event you and your family become a victim of crime, remember that counselling is important.”
Fidelity provided the following crime tips for people to stay safe during the festive season:
- Maintain security gates so that it opens and closes quickly, which will give hijackers less time to strike and giving the victim ample time to drive away. Always make sure the gate motor is locked and secure.
- Be alert of people following you home or suspicious vehicles in your neighbourhood. Get involved with your neighbourhood watch and communicate more with your neighbours. Make use of the safety forums’ WhatsApp groups.
- Check trees and shrubs around your property so that suspects will not use it as a hiding place, or use it to gain entry to the property.
- Security beams must be installed correctly to increase their range and effectiveness. Make sure that beams are not obscured by any trees or overgrowth and are not triggered by nearby reflective surfaces that may create false alarms.
- Obtain and carry remote panic buttons at all times and provide your domestic staff with them also.
- Double check whether you have activated your alarm system before you leave the house. Emergency contact numbers must be displayed near a common area. If you are not expecting a delivery or a visit from a service provider, do not open the door for them, even if they insist.
- Do not be distracted in public. Crime is opportunistic and happens quickly when you are distracted.
- Lock valuable items in the boot of your vehicle and never drive with valuables in open view from outside the vehicle. Polycarb film for windows might assist you in the event of a smash and grab situation.
