Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity ADT, says another concerning trend is that residents take their bins out for ‘Friday Bin Day’ and then go away for the weekend without taking them back inside, giving a clear indication to criminals that they are not home.

“We urge residents to be vigilant and put your bins back in your yard before you leave.”

She adds that the bins are being bumped over blocking driveways, which means residents must get out of their cars in the morning to move the bins exposing them to potential hijackings in the early hours.

“Dustbins also provide a good hiding place for hijackers who may target residents returning from work in the evenings.”

She urges residents to not only put their dustbins out on the morning of collection day but also remember to bring them back in.

“If you are not going to return home at the end of a collection day, ask a neighbour to take your dustbin in. Remember never to put anything in your dustbin that has all your details on it. Always shred confidential information.” concludes Hattingh.