Capt Nokubonga Dube said there has been an increase in theft and housebreaking in the Mondeor policing area during May 2020.
These housebreakings are occurring either when the house owners are asleep or have left the house.
“The most affected suburbs are Glenvista, Alverda Park, Ridgeway, Mondeor, and Liefde n Vrede and they mostly occur from Wednesdays through to the weekend.”
She said Mondeor SAPS would like to share safety tips with the community and again stated that with the support and involvement of the community the police will be in a position to meet the safety and security needs of the community.
Tips for safety awareness at home:
• Fences and walls
A high fence around the house with lockable gates is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.
The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.
Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.
Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door, as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.
• The following devices prevent easy access:
Window bars, security doors and security gates, razor wire, additional locking devices on doors, strengthening of doors, peepholes in the doors, safety chains to doors, intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage
• Alarm systems
An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent. A few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.
An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.
Examples of alarm systems include mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types), improvised systems, threaded tins, threaded pieces of iron, and obstacles that can make a noise when moved.
• Security lights
Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house.
The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from the outside. Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.
Safety precautions
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• If you leave your residence, inform your family/neighbours.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders that can be used in an attack are locked away when you do not use them.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.
• Remain awake for a while.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, for example your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.
• Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
