Be aware of crime spikes during loadshedding, warns security analyst

South Africans should brace themselves for an increase in crime during loadshedding, a security analyst from IRS Forensic Investigations has warned.

His warning comes as South Africa was recently hit by level 2 loadshedding and is expected to remain with us for the foreseeable future.

“Contact crimes always increase during times of a big power outage,” said Chad Thomas.

These crimes include theft out of cars during traffic congestion due to traffic lights not working. Rape, assault and robbery are also significantly higher during loadshedding.

“People living and working in high-density areas tend to be the victims of these type of crimes.”
In suburban areas, people should be on the lookout for house robbers, especially after a long period of power outages.

Thomas said loadshedding was putting a huge strain on the batteries of alarm systems, electric gates and electric fencing, especially when it occurs two to three times a day. Batteries will deteriorate quicker than normal.

“This gives criminals the perfect opportunity to rob a house, knowing they won’t be bothered by a security company due to an alarm that went off,” Thomas said.

Thomas said there were various steps people can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim during loadshedding.

Watch the interview to find out how you can safeguard yourself.