THERE’S been a spike in criminal activity in the Glenashley area including five house break-ins, a theft, and one case of trespassing in the last few weeks.

Also read: Four arrested for Chris Hani Road cellphone theft

In the house break-in cases it was established that the suspects  entered properties through the rooftops and unsecured upper-level entry points such as open windows at night.

In several cases, intruders accessed homes through the roof to bypass alarm systems and steal high-value items such as cellphones, laptops, and electronics.

An increase in copper theft has also been noted, generally occurring during the day often while residents are at work, through jumping fences or entering unlocked yards to remove copper piping from exterior walls.

Stephen Wimborne, commercial director at Blue Security, said that although the area’s crime rate has been relatively low in the past, the recent increase in incidents serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and highlights the importance of proactive safety measures.

“Living in a secure neighbourhood should not lead to complacency. It is still important for residents to remain mindful of home security. Simple precautions, like checking entry points and consistently arming alarm systems, go a long way in helping to deter opportunistic crime,” said Wimborne.

Wimborne urges residents to remain proactive.

“Ensure all entry points are secured, especially upstairs windows and balconies. Arm your alarm systems consistently. These systems are designed to trigger early alerts, giving your security provider time to respond quickly,” he said.

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