According to Fidelity ADT, over the last few weeks, there has been a definite increase in the number of house break-ins, attempted break-ins, armed robberies and motor vehicle thefts in the Dalpark area in Brakpan and Salfin in Boksburg.
Charnel Hattingh, group head of Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT said much of the crime seems opportunistic.
“We can see that in a number of instances people have forgotten to arm their systems, or put on their beams,” she said.
“There is also a worrying trend of suspects tampering with electrical boxes. They trip the electricity at the electric box, disarm the electric fence and often derail the electric gate and then burgle the property.
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She said it is key to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
Here are some security tips to keep in mind:
• Gates: make sure that your gate opens and closes as quickly as possible. This means less time sitting in your driveway or the road where you are a vulnerable target to hijackers.
Also, ensure that the motor has a locked box covering it to stop any attempts at tampering. Remember to keep your gates closed at all times.
• Be aware of your surroundings: be alert for being followed home or of any suspicious cars or people in your neighbourhood.
Remember to be an active participant in your neighbourhood watch WhatsApp group if you have a suburb or road grouping. Neighbours need to look out for one another.
• Bushes and trees: make sure that bushes and trees on your property are checked regularly to ensure they are not affecting your perimeter security.
Branches should be cut back to prevent blocking or impeding the effective functioning of your perimeter security, or where they may be used to climb into and access your property.
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• Beams: make sure that beams are installed correctly and at the most optimal angle to increase their range and effectiveness. It is also important to make sure that these beams are not obscured by shrubbery, or near reflective surfaces to prevent excessive false alarm activations.
• Carry remote panics with you at all times at home and equip your domestic staff with remote panics.
• Be sure your alarm is armed at all times and that everyone within the household, including domestic staff, know when and how to use the alarm system and panic buttons if these are installed.
They should also know who to call in an emergency. Make a list of contact numbers and post them on or near a phone.
If you have not been informed of the arrival of delivery people or service providers, do not open the door, even if they insist that they have an appointment.
“We are living in a tough economy and crime is definitely on the increase. Fidelity ADT has increased visibility in the area but we are urging residents to be vigilant,” added Hattingh.
