RAG warns that highway hijackings and house robberies on the rise
To avoid becoming a victim of a follow-home robbery, RAG advised residents not to wear expensive jewellery and watches in public places.
Residents Action Group (RAG) has warned that with the festive season around the corner, crime is increasing.
RAG GM Mark Morris said follow-home robberies, hijackings on the highway by “blue light” gangs and other criminals, along with house robberies and break-ins are on the rise.
To avoid becoming a victim of a follow-home robbery, RAG advised residents not to wear expensive jewellery and watches in public places.
Morris said that criminals have spotters in malls and coffee shops and they target luxury brands like Rolex watches in particular.
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He reported that house robberies and break-ins have increased because windows are left open due to the hot weather.
“Criminals take advantage of open windows, especially bathroom windows. All opening windows should have burglar bars or be closed,” Morris stressed.
He urged residents to always pass on information about suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant they may think it is.
Morris said that while investigating a recent house robbery in Bedfordview, RAG discovered that there had been intruders in the complex next door a few days earlier.
“They ran away, but the incident was not reported to the relevant role players, like RAG and the Bedfordview CPF. We did not have the opportunity to increase patrols and be on the lookout.
“Criminals then struck next door a few days later and it was likely the same suspects who attempted to break in at the neighbouring complex before this.”
RAG offered the following holiday security tips for residents who are going away:
• Make sure that you do not leave signs that you are away and your house is unoccupied.
An unkempt driveway and a collection of newspapers or mail are signs that criminals will look out for.
• Ask someone reliable to check on your home. You may not be hiring a house-sitter, but we all have neighbours and friends.
Provide them with your contact information and give them a key so they can take in the post or gain access to your home if there’s an emergency.
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• Make sure that valuables such as laptops are not visible from the windows.
• Ensure that all the windows are secure and that all the doors have been locked before you leave.
• The lawn should be mowed.
• Remove washing from the line and take in the rubbish bins and recycling bags.
• Having curtains closed all day may appear suspicious, so leave them exactly as you would when you’re at home.
• You could install timer switches that turn the lights on and off.
Consider installing motion-sensor lights on your property, and if you have these, make sure all the bulbs work before you leave.
• Ensure that all your security equipment is in good working order, including alarms, beams, gate motors and cameras.
Test your alarm, beams and armed response monitoring just before you go away, to make sure that everything is working properly.
• Also check your electric fence.
Trim overhanging branches and foliage around it.
With all the rain, plants grow quickly and can trigger your alarm.
Remember to set your alarm when you leave.
He also urged residents who will be staying home for the holidays to be vigilant – to protect themselves at home and on the roads.
These are safety and security tips they should follow:
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• Be alert when driving home from shopping centres or outings, especially when entering your property.
• Invest in the best security measures and safety features for your home, and use them.
• Make sure that your beams are activated early each evening – whether you are indoors or entertaining on your patio.
• Guests are no deterrent to criminals, and parties where gates are being opened and closed, people are coming and going, and security is lax, can attract opportunistic criminals.
• Set your alarm at night and every time you leave the house.
Residents should always report suspicious activity to RAG’s 24-hour control centre by calling 082 322 3333 or 011 455 7022.
