In response to a concerning trend of property-related crimes, the Honeydew Community Policing Forum’s (CPF) public relations officer, Michael Steyn, has urged residents to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their homes and vehicles.
Steyn highlighted three specific types of crimes that have seen a steady increase in recent months and provided practical solutions for combating them. The first trend is wheel theft. “Theft of wheels from vehicles parked outside homes has become a recurring occurrence. Criminals gain access to properties and remove all tyres from parked vehicles, leaving them stranded on bricks.”
To avoid being a victim of this, Steyn advised homeowners to ensure their properties are not easily accessible:
- Use lock nuts on your tyres to make removal more difficult
- Install beams linked to armed response companies to enhance security measures
Steyn also addressed the issue of the theft of gate motors, stating, “While not a new phenomenon, there has been a noticeable uptick in these crimes. Criminals target gate motors either to resell them or use them for spare parts.”
To lessen the risk of theft, he advised homeowners to install brackets with their gate motors to make removal more challenging. He also suggested using gate alarms or gate buddies to alert security companies of any unauthorised access.
Lastly, he addressed the theft of beams, which has become increasingly popular. “This has become increasingly prevalent despite the low resale value of beams.” He recommended installing brackets over the beams and arming them when not in use.
Steyn emphasised the importance of sharing these crime prevention tips with friends and family to collectively reduce the risk of becoming targets. By taking proactive measures and implementing security enhancements, residents can play a vital role in deterring property-related crimes in the community.
In response to these trending property-related crimes, the Honeydew CPF urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities promptly. “Together, with community cooperation and proactive measures, we aim to combat property-related crimes and ensure the safety and security of all residents.”
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