The Din-Al-View CPF would like the residents of the community to take note of the following situations which have been reported as possible criminal indicators, meaning that criminals are interested in taking something from you without your permission.
The CPF obtained the information from the SAPS and E Blockwatch.
- Bottle tops placed on top of fences, cigarette boxes, plastic bags “blown by the wind” against a fence, pieces of rope, cool drink tins placed against a fence of shrubs in such a way that they will not be kicked away accidentally.
Different colours of these items have different meanings:
- Green. Go ahead. No one at home.
- Red. The house is occupied by someone who is armed and is willing to use it and will resist criminals.
- White. Easy target.
- Blue. There is assistance for the criminals on the premises, like a domestic worker or gardener.
- Branches/sticks placed against a wall.
- Knotted grass or plastic (cable ties) close to or against fence.
- Marks made – or stones placed on the sidewalk.
- Poisoning of dogs.
- Alarm system going off during the day while residents are at work (the system and reaction to the alarm might be tested).
- Street lamps suddenly do not work.
- People sitting about with apparently nothing to do.
- People (usually smartly dressed) asking for work at odd times of the day.
- Slow moving vehicles with people who are clearly “going nowhere slowly”.
- A vehicle driving behind you or someone following you on foot after you have drawn money.
- People “checking” your electricity box/water meter late at night might be planning to switch off your electricity supply/close your water supply in order for you to come outside and check what the problem is.
The Din-Al-View CPF said that reconnaissance of you or your premises can start six to eight weeks before the actual criminal act takes place.
The indicators are usually placed sometime during the day, usually after 11am and can be placed there two to three weeks before the crime.
The CPF advised residents to clean their pavements daily.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Home invasions on the increase in the Din-Al-View area
Housebreakings on the increase in Din-Al-View area
