Thieves target gas bottles in Ballito and Stanger

A security company is warning Ballito and Stanger residents to improve home security after a spike in gas bottle theft.

“Recent reports indicate a crime trend where opportunistic thieves are entering yards or jumping over fences to steal gas battles, irrespective of the size,” said Craig Burden, Fidelity ADT Ballito branch manager.

This trend has been noted in Ballito and Stanger, with several reported incidents in the Glen Hills area over the past week.

While it might not be a strict legal requirement to store gas cylinders in a cage in South Africa, it can often be the safest, most secure option.

It is also important to make your property less of a target by making it as hard as possible for criminals to successfully carry out their plans on your premises.

Burden offers these safety tips:

• Ensure that your yard is well lit at all times.
• Have barrier security installed (electric fence, beams, sensor lights, burglar bars).
• Never leave your wheelie bin out overnight as criminals not only use these to climb on, they also use them to transport stolen goods in.
• Cut away excess shrubs and bushes as this serves as a good hiding spot for criminals.
• Always keep your alarm armed. Make use of the different features your alarm offers (i.e. Stay mode, Sleep mode, Away mode).
• Join your local neighbourhood watch and street WhatsApp groups.
• Have visible armed response signage can also serve as a deterrent.
• Installing quality CCTV cameras around your premises will help police with investigations and will also deter opportunistic criminals.

“Residents are urged to remain vigilant and not to leave anything to chance. If you see anything suspicious in or around your neighbourhood report it immediately to your private security company and local police,” said Burden.