Wall-jumpers targeting vulnerable properties in Centurion
"The perimeter of your property is probably one of the most important security barriers you need to worry about. It is an intruder’s first point of access so you need to ensure your perimeter is secure."
Fidelity ADT has urged residents to remain vigilant about home security following a recent spike in opportunistic crime in the Centurion areas, specifically Highveld, Eldoraigne, Wierda Park and surrounds.
“We have received numerous reports of wall jumpers late at night into the early hours of the morning between 22:00 an 02:00, walking on perimeter walls, and on patio roofs stealing anything they find,” said Maurice Malan, branch manager at Fidelity ADT.
“It’s mainly petty theft, reaching through open windows on the second floor of apartment buildings to take things they can sell like small electronic goods,” Malan said.
He said the best defence against burglars, opportunistic thieves or armed robbers, was to make one’s property as unattractive for criminals as possible.
“Implement extra precautions to keep your belongings safe, inside and outside the home. The perimeter of your property is probably one of the most important security barriers you need to worry about. It is an intruder’s first point of access so you need to ensure your perimeter is secure.
“Get physical barriers like barbed wire fencing installed. Keep your security gates locked at all times and ensure the keys are removed. Activate early-warning systems such as garden beams and/or electric fencing and ensure these are linked to armed response.”
He said residents must also ensure their gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket, which is locked at all times.
“Make sure your alarm is working properly in all zones of the home. Get the whole family involved in security and ensure they know where the panic buttons are, speak to your security provider about getting remote panic buttons that are with you at all times.
“Tightening up small vulnerabilities can amount to a huge relief when it comes to home and personal security. Remain vigilant and do not leave anything to chance,” Malan concluded.
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Captain Dave Miller, spokesperson for Lyttelton police, confirmed an increase in burglaries in their policing area.
He warned residents not to go outside when they notice someone on their property, but to call for police and security, or the CPF hotline, instead.
“Stay on the line and take a description of the suspect. Furnish police or the security members with as much information as possible, so they know what to expect when they arrive to assist you. Many suspects are armed and will not hesitate to attack when cornered.
“If you are confronted by them, or they are in your house already, stay calm. Comply with what they want, usually they just want your property. Keep your family together if you can, lock yourselves up in one room until help arrives, if they are not yet in the same room as you.”
Miller said there has been several successes in Centurion where members of the public, security officials, CPF members and police got property back from wall jumpers.
“This is where people follow protocol, and work together in a joint effort.”
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