Protect your household from burglars this festive season

House burglaries are the most common crime experienced by households in South Africa and have been on the rise since 2021.

According to Brakpan SAPS Corporate Communications officer and Sector 1 manager Constable Audrey Buthelezi, the 2023/24 period suggests that an estimated 1.5 million house break-ins occurred, affecting 1.1 million households or 5.9% of all households in South Africa.

“Statistics reveal that about 51% of households that experienced house break-ins reported some or all incidents to the police and the percentage of reported household incidents to the police decreased from 59.2% in 2021/22 to 51.4% in 2022/23,” she said.

“We urge communities to build strong relations among themselves because a strong community is known to look out for each other.

“Knowing your neighbours and building a trustworthy relationship with them is important because when you are not home, your neighbour can look out for your property.

“Familiarise yourself with your surroundings so that you can be able to notice strangers and unusual activities in your area.”

Buthelezi provided the following tips:
• A “Beware of dog” sign is not a bad idea
Even if you don’t own a dog, burglars hate guard dogs, and they will think twice before taking chances.

• Do not tell everyone about upcoming trips
Refrain from announcing your trips or holiday plans on social media and making them public knowledge.

• Outsmart burglars
Most home owners still put their house keys under a door mat or a rock. Leave a fake key, and notice how the burglar will run away as soon as they realise it’s a trap.

• Do not make it easy for burglars
Keep valuables in a safe or out of sight.

• Keep keys away from the front door
It might be convenient, but you are making it easy for the burglars to grab the keys.

• Always lock the windows
Most burglaries happen due to people forgetting to close windows.

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• Never leave the garage door open, and keep your shed locked
Home owners often ignore garages and sheds when increasing security. An open shed or garage has numerous tools that can be used to gain entry into your house.

• Ramp up your house security
Having more security will challenge the burglars, and it will not make it easy for them to break into your house.

• Deter burglars with lights
Your home is more vulnerable when you are not there. Invest in a smart lighting system. Turn lights on randomly, and burglars will never know when you are away or inside the house.

• Make it difficult for them
Taking too long inside your house increases their chances of being caught. They will most likely ignore inconvenient security and hiding spots.

• Your safe should be heavy and bolted
Invest in a safe for your valuables.

• Do not give them a reason
After buying new items, do not leave the boxes near the dustbin. It gives a clear signal to the burglar that breaking into the house is worth the risk.

Also show your presence by frequently cleaning the yard. The SAPS encourages communities to always be alert, be knowledgeable with their surroundings, and immediately report any suspicions to the nearest police station or on 0860 010 111.

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