Crime syndicates that target lifestyle estates have mushroomed in South Africa lately. They search out moles in informal settlements and other communities who, knowingly or unknowingly, provide information on what they see and hear as contractors or service providers on estates.
Armed with information, criminals have found new ways to gain access to estates.
“While security companies are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve their service, residents too can play a part in dealing with crime in estates,” said Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT Central Region.
Humphrey offers the following safety tips for estate residents:
• Don’t rely on perimeter security alone. While perimeter security measures have been successful in crime reductions in estates, once criminals gain access to properties within estates they often have free reign. Lock house and vehicle doors and close windows. Don’t leave valuables lying around.
• Check references of your domestic worker and gardener. Crimes within estates are often carried out with the assistance of a domestic staff member. Remember ADT runs a Domestic Watch programme and it is useful to send your domestic worker to one session, run in conjunction with SAPS.
• Watch out if there is construction in process. Having construction workers on site within estates has historically resulted in elevated crime levels.
• Report suspicious behaviour. A growing trend in estates is for a crime syndicate to move into a home for some time. They then monitor the behaviour of residents and initiate house break-ins before they move out. If you notice any suspicious behaviour ie blinds or curtains permanently drawn, report it immediately to your security company.
• Be alert when you enter and exit the estate. Criminals have targeted residents when they leave or return and hijacked them a few metres from, if not right in front of the gates. If you notice anything suspicious at the gate rather pause but watch from a safe distance. If a hijacking does take place, stay calm, get out of the vehicle and let them take it. It’s not worth your life or those around you.
