There was a significant increase in house burglaries in the City Bowl recently. It is suspected that these are criminals who operated earlier this year as they have the same modus operandi: of houses being marked with flyers/paper, to later be targeted if not removed. If you see a flyer or similar suspicious marker near a residence, remove it immediately and inform the neighbourhood to be on the lookout.
Our safety and security partners had the following tips for checking the security of your home:
- Ensure that your alarm system is fully functional and armed, especially at night.
- Quality spotlights give a good line of sight around the property, limiting the cover of darkness.
- Check your fence for any signs of tampering and ensure that electric fences are connected to your alarm.
- Be aware that most home robberies involve the criminals gaining access whilst home owners have been moving around the outside of their homes after dark, and then taken by surprise.
- Do not ignore your dogs barking as there may be intruders on your property that your dogs have been alerted to.
- Do not resist if you find yourself in this compromised position.
- The usual items such as laptops, cellular phones, jewellery and electronics are being targeted.
- DO NOT confirm your password with your armed response company if your alarm activates, unless you are 100% certain that there is no security breach.
- Report any suspicious activity such as vehicles with occupants taking cell phone pictures of your property or persons that appear suspicious.
- DO NOT investigate yourself, but instead make use of the emergency numbers below.
Emergency Contacts
WATCHCOM – 021 422 4222
SAPS Central – 021 467 8001/2
LE / Fire / Ambulance – 021 480 7700
Cellphone Emergency Number – 112
ER24 – 084124
Netcare – 082911
FADT – 0861212300
CBAR – 0860151515
Street People Unit (SPU) – 0800 872 201
SANPARKS – 021 957 4700 / 0861 106 417
SPCA – 021 700 4140 / 083 326 1604 (a/h)
