E2 Safer Festive Season – Make sure your home is safe

House robberies are prevalent in South Africa and while the recent Q2 SAPS Crime Statistics showed a slight decrease (1.3%) in housebreakings, it is important for South Africans to always be on guard and on high alert.


According to the statistics, the police stations that received the highest amount of robbery at residential reports are as follows:
• Kwazakele in the Eastern Cape
• Inanda in KZN
• Rooderpoort in Gauteng
• Khayelitsha in the Western Cape
• Plessislaer in KZN
• Thembisa in Gauteng

With the festive season in full swing, it is important that you make the following provisions to safeguard your home from burglaries.
• if are going to be travelling, inform your security company that you will be away and ask them to do a check to make sure that the alarm and all motion sensors are working. Also leave an emergency contact number with them.
• Make sure that your CCTV cameras and electric fence are working.
• Double check that all doors are locked and that all windows are shut properly before you set out.
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances, such as the TV, coffee maker and kettle to protect against damaging power surges.
• Do not store any jewellery or valuables in your home while you’re away. Rather put them in a safety deposit box. If you have no choice, make sure to lock these away safely, out of plain sight.

Additional tips to make sure your home is safe while you are away
• Make sure to park your car out of sight, preferably behind a closed garage door.
• Arrange with a friend or neighbour to check on your property occasionally and collect your post. Other subscriptions should be put on hold for the time you are away on holiday.
• Don’t leave a message on your voicemail that says you are away on holiday.
• Never post your travel plans on social media platforms and share these selectively.
• Don’t leave a spare key under the flowerpot, door mat or any other place outside of your home. Rather leave it with a trustworthy neighbour or family member.
• Consider using a time switch to turn your lights on at random times in the evening, rather than programming them to switch on at the same time every day.

Even if you are not going away, here are some tips to make sure you’re safe at home.
• Always keep security gates locked – even if you are entertaining outside.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious people roaming your neighbourhood and report them.
• Don’t leave outside lights on during the day.
• Stay together – use a buddy system. Attend festivals with a friend or group of friends and agree on a buddy system beforehand.
• Inspect locks on windows and doors to make sure they work.
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended unless stored securely.
• Keep your purse close to your body or your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.
• Trust your instincts. Be alert to your surroundings.