Private security companies operating in Pretoria east recorded a busy festive season, with vehicle theft, house burglaries, and gender-based violence among the most common incidents responded to during December.

Alpha Security operations manager Aris Ruyter said trends were identified through reports co-ordinated by the Alpha Security Forum, working closely with the local CPF, SAPS and private security partners.

According to Ruyter, the most frequent incidents were theft of motor vehicles, followed by house burglaries.

He said house robberies were also reported, where residents are confronted by suspects during the crime.

“There was a marginal increase in reported incidents, particularly vehicle theft and residential break-ins,” said Ruyter.

“This is typical for the festive season, as many crimes are only reported once residents return from holiday.”

He said incidents were spread across several residential areas, with no single suburb standing out.

Ruyter stated that quieter streets and areas with reduced occupancy were more vulnerable.

“After-hours incidents increased, especially over long weekends and public holidays.”

He added that vacant homes were a key target during this period.

“Properties with visible signs of absence, such as uncollected mail or no lights, were more at risk. Some small businesses were also affected while closed over the holidays,” he said.

Despite higher demand, Ruyter said response times remained effective.

He explained that this was due to strong co-ordination between private security, CPF volunteers and SAPS, as well as active information sharing.

While official statistics cannot yet be released, he said seven separate incidents resulted in suspects being caught.

“A huge shout-out to security officers, SAPS and voluntary community members involved,” he said.

According to Elzeri Wright, manager for Interactive Security, most incidents they responded to involved vehicle theft or attempted vehicle theft.

Wright said in all cases, vehicles were parked on sidewalks, making them easier targets.

“The festive season was busier than last year, although this was linked to bad weather and power outages, which triggered alarms and created opportunities for crime,” she said.

She said no single suburb was more affected than others, adding that proactive patrols and strong response times helped limit serious incidents.

According to Wright, several successful apprehensions were also recorded.

“Ongoing and incomplete building projects were highlighted as a concern, with vandalism, cable theft and petty crime reported at some sites,” said Wright.

She stated that construction sites and vacant properties were more frequently targeted.

Wright said their reaction units maintained good response times, despite heavy rainfall at times making access difficult.

She urged residents to test their alarm systems regularly, check the batteries and ensure all household members know what to do in an emergency.

“Many break-ins happen simply because alarms were not armed,” she said.

CSI Security operations manager Gerhard Rossouw said gender-based violence (GBV) was the most common crime his teams responded to over the festive season.

He said housebreakings were less frequent, which he also attributed to increased visibility patrols, especially in areas where residents did not have alarm systems.

Rossouw added that CSI assisted several non-clients, including four housebreaking cases where victims were not registered with the company.

“CSI also worked with the TMPD during drunk driving operations.”

He confirmed that vacant homes and businesses were targeted, particularly during holiday periods.

Security companies are urging residents to remain vigilant in the new year by avoiding advertising travel plans on social media, securing vehicles, arming alarm systems and reporting suspicious behaviour early.

They stressed that community involvement and co-operation with security structures remain key to crime prevention.

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