Mother and daughter robbed by five suspects

According to the woman’s statement to the police, five men stormed into their home as they were relaxing in the lounge at 10pm on 7 March.

The men threatened them with guns and ransacked their house. She said they took their laptops, cellphones and jewellery.

Midrand police’s head of communications, Constable Matome Tlamela said the police were still investigating the case. “We hope to make arrests soon,” she said.

The police have also released a few safety tips that might deter house robberies:

• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.
• Large 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, especially if you reside in a rural area.
• Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks and ladders, that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.
• Vary your daily routine.
• Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights, and remain awake for a while.
• You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.
• Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.
• If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work or a visit, contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.
• Identify relatively safe places of refuge such as the bathroom, toilet or storeroom.
• The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.
• Involve employees as they are part of the family or team as employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.
• Report suspicious behaviour and information to the police.
• Clear the areas around the gates or bushes and other hiding places.
• Take photographs of all employees.
• It could be to your advantage to identify the suspects, if required.
• Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of a crime.
• Do not employ casual workers without a reference.
• Keep copies of all your employees’ Identity Documents.
• 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.

Share your own safety precautions with Midrand Reporter in the comments below.