The Krugersdorp Police expressed concern about the number of property-related crimes in the past few weeks.
“We appeal to the community to be extra careful, even during a pandemic,” said Krugersdorp Police spokesperson, Captain Raymond Sebonyane.
In an effort to help you make your home as secure as possible, the police have released the following tips:
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• Big dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.
• If you leave your residence, inform your family or neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc. that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
• You should not be visible from the outside when you are asleep in the bedroom.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge, i.e. bathroom, toilet or storeroom. The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to the police.
• Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.
• Take photographs of all employees. It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep copies of all your employees’ identity documents (IDs).
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.
Krugersdorp Police station commander, Brigadier Ngwako Mashao also encouraged the community to work hand in hand with the police and become part of their local Community Policing Forum (CPF) or neighbourhood watch.
He also warned second-hand goods dealers, like pawnshops, and the community at large to refrain from buying anything without proof of purchase.
“It is a punishable offence to buy stolen property,” he said.
The Krugersdorp Police can be contacted on the following numbers 011 951 1151, 011 951 1152 or the officer on duty can be contacted on 082 337 1293. To report anonymously contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, sms the crime line on 32211 or communicate via the mySAPS app.
