Residents in Pretoria North are being urged to take immediate action to protect their homes following a reported sharp increase in reported break-ins across the area.

The North CPF has raised concerns over what it describes as a growing and organised pattern of criminal activity targeting households.

According to CPF spokesperson Lebo Moloi, criminals are becoming more strategic in how they identify and target properties, often monitoring daily routines and exploiting small signs that indicate a home may be vulnerable.

“We are seeing a worrying trend where criminals are studying residents’ habits before striking.

“Something as simple as newspapers piling up at your gate or bins left unattended can signal that no-one is home. Residents need to understand that these small details can make them targets.”

The CPF has outlined several practical safety measures residents can implement to reduce the risk of becoming victims.

One of the key recommendations is ensuring that no items, such as newspapers or flyers, accumulate outside the home, as this can indicate absence.

Residents are advised to remove dustbins promptly after collection or ask neighbours for assistance if they are away.

Lighting also plays a critical role in deterring criminal activity. Moloi encouraged homeowners to install day/night switches or timers to maintain consistent outdoor lighting.

“A well-lit property is far less attractive to criminals. Darkness gives them cover, and that is what we must eliminate,” she explained.

Another growing concern highlighted by the CPF is the use of ‘markers’ by criminals.

These can include seemingly harmless objects or markings placed near properties to signal information to accomplices.

Residents are urged to inspect their surroundings daily and remove anything suspicious immediately.

Overgrown trees and bushes have also been identified as a risk factor, as they provide hiding spots and easy access points for intruders.

Keeping yards clean and trimmed is a simple but effective way to improve visibility and security.

Moloi further stressed the importance of functional alarm systems.

“An alarm system is only effective if it is working properly. Test it regularly, especially during power outages, and ensure it is linked to a reliable response service,” she said.

Beyond individual efforts, the North CPF is calling for stronger community collaboration as residents are encouraged to stay connected through street groups, neighbourhood watches, and local security structures.

Reporting suspicious behaviour promptly can help prevent crimes before they occur.

“This is not just about individual households, it’s about the entire community standing together. When we communicate, stay alert, and look out for one another, we make it much harder for criminals to operate.”

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