“Residential burglaries are showing an increase and are affecting more residents in the Kagiso policing precinct,” warned Captain Solomon Sibiya, Kagiso Police spokesperson.

He explained that despite consistent efforts by the Kagiso Police to encourage community structures like Community Policing Forums (CPF) to mobilise residents and work together, residential burglaries remain a challenge.

He said the perpetrators of these crimes include drug addicts, and violent as well as ruthless criminals with a well thought-out plan.

To date Kagiso Police have received complaints of residential burglaries where criminals increasingly used crowbars to force open even the strongest locked doors and windows,” he said.

Sibiya added that RDP houses have been targeted most because they do not have sufficient security measures, which makes it easier for perpetrators to gain entry.

“We therefore advise residents to try and consider installing burglar guards,” he advised, adding that they are urging residents to install locks and bolts on the door from the inside, explaining that criminals use crowbars to push doors towards the hinges, thus repositioning the lock from the locked position.

Aluminium windows are also forced open by exerting pressure from the lower frame.

The crowbar is put underneath the frame and pushed up, thus creating a gap to reach the handle,” Sibiya explained.

The Kagiso Police still maintain that no matter what security measures are installed in homes to minimise burglaries that neighbourhood watches and street committees working closely with police remain the best option.

The police are appealing to the community to become their eyes and ears so that with the help of the community they can bring these perpetrators to book.

Residents can contact the Kagiso Police on 011 696 9000, 011 696 9059, 011 696 9065 or 011 696 9067. Alternatively make use of the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111, the SMS line on 32211 or the My SAPS app.