According to the official crime statistics released by the South African Police Service, a total of 228 094 cases of burglary at a residential address were reported to the South African Police Service in the 2017/2018 year.
Of these, 425 were reported to the Douglasdale Police Station, 279 to the Diepsloot Police Station, 139 to the Midrand Police Station and 487 were reported to the Sandton Police Station.
But after your house has been broken into, what should you do?
Sergeant Matome Tlamela of the Midrand Station has some advice for residents:
- Contact your nearest police station immediately
- Wait until fingerprints are taken from the scene and statements given to police before touching anything in your house
- Do not allow private security companies to enter the house or touch anything before the police arrive, as this could disturb the scene
- A list of the make, model and serial numbers of electrical appliances and other valuables should always be available for investigation purposes.
Tlamela also encourages members of the public to not support crime and to refrain from buying stolen items even though they might be cheaper.
“Property crimes such as theft, housebreaking, shoplifting, handbag or cell phone snatching and theft out of motor vehicles lead to unnecessary suffering and impoverishment.
“If you buy stolen goods, more victims will suffer, because you provide a market for these goods and an incentive for criminals to keep stealing them.”
She also reminds the public that receiving stolen goods is a crime and those caught doing so can face prosecution.
“Reject any goods you suspect could have been stolen and report it to the police on Crime Stop 08600 10111.”
Related article:
Douglasdale Police Station provides motorists with safety tips
