Potchefstroom is a vibrant university town, home to thousands of students who fill the streets, residences, and local businesses throughout the academic year. As the festive season approaches, most students have already left town to return home, leaving many student houses and private residences standing empty. Unfortunately, this period often creates opportunities for opportunistic criminals targeting vacant properties.

The Cachet Park City Improvement District (CID) plays a crucial role in maintaining safety in the Bult–Cachet Park area by providing proactive patrols, CCTV monitoring, rapid reporting channels through the BUZZER app, and ongoing cooperation with SAPS and security partners. However, landlords remain an essential part of the community safety network and are encouraged to secure their properties during this high-risk period.

10 Tips for Landlords to Secure Vacant Student Residences:

• Ensure all doors and windows are properly locked.

Double-check that all entry points, including sliding doors, back doors, and safety gates, are secured.

• Install or activate an alarm system.

Make sure alarm systems are active, tested, and linked to a reliable security provider.

• Use timers for lights.

Automated lighting gives the impression that the property is occupied.

• Secure valuables and remove electronics.

Encourage students to take laptops, TVs, and other high-value items home or keep them locked away.

• Trim overgrown shrubbery and trees.

Overgrown vegetation provides hiding spots and reduces visibility for patrols and CCTV.

• Check perimeter fencing and gates.

Ensure electric fencing, locks, and padlocks are intact and functioning.

• Close curtains and blinds.

Prevent outsiders from seeing inside the vacant property.

• Notify your security provider and Cachet Park CID.

Inform them which units or homes will be vacant so patrols can pay closer attention.

• Ensure outside storage areas are locked.

Sheds, tool rooms, and garages are often easy targets if left unsecured.

• Ask a trusted neighbour or caretaker to check in periodically.

Quick visual checks can help detect signs of unlawful entry.