Over the last week, there has been a concerning rise in the number of house break incidents reported in the south of Johannesburg, specifically in The Hill and surrounding areas. This week alone there were nine reported incidents.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT is urging residents to be extra vigilant about their security. “It is so important that we track crime trends as these are indicators of what crime is in our communities. It allows us to allocate resources effectively and can be used as valuable intel for residents in the area.

The majority of incidents are happening on the weekend between 8pm and midnight.

We urge residents to remain vigilant, when you leave your house to go for dinner or to watch sport, make sure that you arm your alarm.

The crime is mostly opportunistic, so if your perimeter is not secure, criminals are taking advantage. The suspects are quick getting in and out within minutes. If they can’t get into you house or business, they take what they can from your property or from your parked cars.

She offers the following safety tips:

• Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks.
• Fit suitable “spacers”, locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks (the most common method used by burglars on sliding doors and windows).
• Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks or burglar bars that cover all glass.
• Ensure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave indoors or make unnecessary copies.
• Keep the garage and tool shed locked when not in use. Would–be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool.
• Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside which is activated by a motion detector.
• Reduce all heavy foliage near your perimeter wall and gate to reduce the possibility of those spots being used as hiding places.
• Make sure your domestic worker and gardener have a panic button

“Please ensure that your alarms are in working order and are set. Please also be alert when driving in the area and if you believe you are being followed don’t turn into your driveway but rather drive to your nearest police station, security boom or a place with activity. Remember to only open your gate when you are sure it is safe to do so and close it immediately after you have entered,” concludes Hattingh.

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COMPILED ON BEHALF OF FIDELITY ADT BY CATHY FINDLEY PR.MEDIA QUERIES CONTACT JACQUI MOLOI AT 07176482332 OR JACQUI@FINDLEYPR.CO.ZA.