Break-ins are increasing around Tshwane, warns security company

Security company Fidelity ADT has warned residents of the increasing number of housebreaking incidents around Tshwane over the past week.

ADT revealed highly affected areas included Pretoria North, Garsfontein, Rooihuiskraal, Kilner Park, Queenswood, Wilgers and Lynnwood Manor.

The company urged residents to be extra vigilant about their security.

“It is so important that we track crime trends as these are indicators of what crime is in our communities. It allows us to allocate resources effectively and can be used as valuable intel for residents in the area,” it said in a statement.

Residents were reminded to be extra careful when leaving their place of residence, especially at night.

“When people leave home for dinner or to watch rugby, they must make sure that security alarms are set.”

Criminals are mostly opportunistic, so if a perimeter is not secure, they take advantage. Suspects are quick, getting in and out within minutes. If they can’t get into your house or business, they will take what they can from your property or your parked cars.

Tshwane metro recently issued a public advisory, urging residents and motorists to exercise caution and be extra vigilant when travelling in areas recently identified as crime hotspots.

A recent joint crime operation by the police and TMPD has shown a rise in what is known as “trio crimes” – carjackings, home invasions and robberies at non-residential locations in and around Tshwane.

Some of these targeted areas include Hammanskraal (Temba), Akasia, Brooklyn, Pretoria Central, Sunnyside, Centurion, Soshanguve (Jukulyn area), Mabopane R80 highway, Soshanguve Cemetery, Winterveldt, Mamelodi East, Olievenhoutbosch and Fountains Circle via Nelson Mandela Drive, where there are smash-and-grab incidents.

While law enforcement agencies are actively addressing these concerns, residents and motorists must remain vigilant and adopt the required safety measures to protect themselves and their property.

The security company issued these safety tips:

– Ensure perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks.
– Fit suitable “spacers” – locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks (the most common method used by burglars on sliding doors and windows).
– Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks or burglar bars that cover all glass.
– Ensure all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave these indoors or make unnecessary copies.
– Keep the garage and toolshed locked when not in use. Would-be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool.
– Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside activated by a motion detector.
– Reduce all heavy foliage near your perimeter wall and gate to reduce the possibility of these spots being used as hiding places.
– Make sure your domestic worker and gardener have a panic button.
– Remember to only open your gate when you are sure it is safe and close it immediately after you have entered.
– Please ensure your alarms are in working order and are set.

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