Don’t be a target – Protect your property
Make sure that emergency numbers are visible to your domestic worker or anyone who may be home during the day. Instruct your domestic workers on what to do in the event of an attempted robbery or other emergency situations.
A HOUSE in Landdrost Street was recently targeted by a would-be burglar in broad daylight.
The suspect entered the property and approached the back door of the house, banging on the door and shouting for the domestic worker to open the door, which was fortunately locked. The domestic worker pressed the panic button, in an attempt to alert the security company of the situation.
In the meantime, the suspect continued banging on the door, despite being surrounded and pinned against the door by the dogs, which he allegedly tried to beat with a wooden plank which he found nearby.
After no response from the security company, the domestic worker called for help from the homeowner’s son, who alerted Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch of the incident. Within minutes Neighbourhood Watch and SAPS arrived, but the suspect had already fled the scene.
The domestic worker was able to give a detailed description of the suspect to police and Neighbourhood Watch, but he was nowhere to be found.
It is believed that the security company had not received the alarm when the domestic worker pressed the panic button, a matter which was later rectified after the homeowner called to enquire as to why they had not responded.
In this case, it was very fortunate that the door was locked at the time of the attempted break in. Instruct your domestic workers to always keep doors locked when they are alone in your home. A panic button is a great repellant for thieves as it sounds an alarm, which should send them running immediately and alert the security company of distress. Check your signal with your security company regularly.
Make sure that emergency numbers are visible to your domestic worker or anyone who may be home during the day. Instruct your domestic workers on what to do in the event of an attempted robbery or other emergency situations. Burglaries don’t only take place at night, with daytime robberies becoming more commonplace in recent times.
“As we approach the festive season, criminal activity is on the increase, with thieves seeking every opportunity to rob citizens of their cash and belongings.”
“When drawing money at an ATM you become a target for opportunistic thieves. Where possible, avoid drawing large amounts of cash from an ATM, rather do an eft or internet transfer. Avoid drawing money late at night as this also makes you a target.”
“When driving, ensure that all of your doors are locked and never drive with your handbag or other valuable items visible.”
– Adriaan Botha (Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch)
