A Sea Park resident on the KZN South Coast was left puzzled after discovering an outside tap had been left running during the early hours of Wednesday, November 11.

The resident said the tap had apparently been turned on at around 02:00.

“I thought it was raining and the water was falling into the tank, so I didn’t bother. It was only when I got up at 04:45 that I saw the tap was open and water was running into the sink outside,” the resident said.

The incident comes amid a warning from Mi7 National Group Security about criminals allegedly using unusual sounds and other tactics to lure residents outside their homes at night.

According to the security company, there have been reports of outside water taps being turned on deliberately, as well as recordings of distressed birds being played to attract the attention of homeowners.

The distressed bird sounds are reportedly cellphone recordings.

The tactic involving running taps is not new.

Over the years, security groups and Community Policing Forums have previously warned that criminals may turn on outside taps to prompt residents to leave the safety of their homes to investigate or close them.

Once outside, residents could be ambushed, potentially allowing criminals access to the property.

Residents are urged not to go outside to investigate strange noises or turn off running taps during the night.

Instead, check CCTV cameras, switch on exterior security lights and contact your armed response company or Saps if anything appears suspicious.

Meanwhile, residents are advised of the following Saps contact number changes:

• Saps Scottburgh: 039-978-1231
• Saps Hibberdene: 039-699-1133

Residents are encouraged to update their contact lists and save the new numbers.

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