House Robberies : Safety Tips
ACT AGAINST CRIME TOGETHER
BUILDING A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA
Reject and report stolen goods
Property crimes such as theft, housebreaking, shoplifting,
handbag/cellphone snatching and theft out of motor vehicles lead
to unnecessary suffering and impoverishment. If you buy stolen
goods, more victims will suffer, because you provide a market
for these goods and an incentive for criminals to keep stealing
them. As thieves go about stealing goods to meet the demand for
stolen goods they commit other crimes along their way and even
murder or assault a witness or helpless victim or rape or injure
a vulnerable woman or child.
Receiving stolen goods is also punishable by law. Reject any
goods you suspect could have been stolen and report it to the
police on Crime Stop 08600 10111.
If they stole it and you buy it more victims will suffer.
House robbery: When someone uses violence or threatens to
use violence against another person in order to steal something
on the residential premises of anyone, house robbery is
committed.
If your house has been broken into -
Contact your nearest police station immediately.
Wait until fingerprints and statements are taken before
touching anything.
Do not allow private security companies to enter the house or
touch anything before the police have arrived.
A list of the make, model, and serial numbers of electrical
appliances and other valuable equipment should always be
available for investigation purposes.
PREVENT HOUSE ROBBERY AND THEFT
Know all emergency numbers.
Make provision for good outside lighting, but switch the
lights off during the day. Outside lights that are on during the
day and post that are left in the gate are signs of no-one being
home. Dont leave your gates, garage, front or back door open or
partially open - it serves as an invitation to burglars.
Never open the door automatically whenever the bell rings or
if someone knocks. Make completely sure the person wanting to
enter is expected. Domestic workers, garden staff and children
are often approached by robbers who act as telephone or TV
repairmen, electricians, plumbers, TV licence or municipality
inspectors and many other professions. In an effort to gain
entrance robbers use a cellphone and make as if they are talking
to the owner of the house so as to put pressure on unsuspecting
victims to open the gate or door. Those remaining at home should
be made aware of these scams. Emphasise the need for security to
your domestic worker, so too ensuring his/her own safety.
Arrange with people who remain at home on how you will inform
them if there is a need for them to open the house for
deliveries, maintenance work or repairs. Always use the same
procedure and inform the companies involved that they will not
gain access unless you have made a specific arrangement.
A watchdog is a good early warning system. Keep it visible as
a deterrent but beyond the reach of strangers. The unexplainable
death of a watchdog is a warning sign of a possible burglary.
If your house alarm goes off, or you hear strange noises or
your dogs bark switch on the outside lights.
Always check the identity of strangers who visit for business
purposes, to do deliveries or repairs. Ensure that you stay out
of their reach to prevent being grabbed through a closed gate.
Report suspicious characters who pose a threat to the police.
When employing someone request their identity document and make
a copy thereof for safekeeping. Check their previous employment
references and do security clearances at the police.
Install the best security you can afford, for example the
security gates at outside doors. Keep these gates locked. If
possible fix a door viewer and latch chain.
When approaching your house entrance by foot or by car ensure
that it is safe to enter and that you have not been followed. Be
aware of persons loitering at the entrance.
Always keep you keys safe to prevent duplication thereof.
Never leave your house keys under a doormat or in a pot plant.
Once you have locked your door from the inside remove the key
and place it in a safe place.
Do not leave keys in a hidden place for domestic staff or
children, robbers often stake out a house and will find out
about these hiding places. Do not give keys to people who do not
live on the property or to anyone if it is not absolutely
necessary.
Know your neighbours and build a relationship of mutual trust
and support. When going away inform them.
It is always best to arrange with persons living in the same
street as you to be ready at all times to come to the rescue of
one another in dangerous or suspicious times. Exchange phone
numbers or signalling methods when you find yourself in
distress. Your strength always lies in how many people are able
to support you in an emergency.
If you buy luxury goods, cut up the boxes and dispose of these
in tied black bags- a branded box is a telltale sign of what
thieves could find in your house.
Keep cash and valuables in banks or safes.
Store your firearms in a safe.
SAPS CRIME STOP : 08600 10111
SAPS EMERGENCY LINE : 10111
www.saps.gov.za
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