Thief. Picture: Pexels
According to the latest crime statistics from the SA Police Service (SAPS; April to June 2024) break-ins at residential premises decreased by 7.4% year-on-year and robberies increased by only 0.2% year-on-year, but are up by almost 1.3% from the preceding quarter.
King Price Insurance’s client experience partner, Wynand van Vuuren, explains the difference between ‘break-ins’ and ‘robberies’: A break-in is unlawful access with criminal intent whereas robbery is direct interaction between criminals and people in houses, frequently involving intimidation or violence.
According to the SAPS report, break-ins have consistently been the crime most experienced by households, with 5.9% of households reporting such incidents in 2023/24, followed by robbery and assault. King Price claims data shows that households in Eastern Cape and Limpopo experienced upticks in claims for break-ins and robberies between 2021 and 2024-to-date. Gauteng accounts for most of the burglaries across the SA, with 21.4% of incidents taking place in the province.
Wynand says that King Price’s claims patterns for break-ins and robberies from 2021 to 2023 show a clear spike over the festive season, meaning that December is no time to be slacking off on your home security irrespective of whether you’re vacationing or staycationing.
Here are Wynand’s top tips for ensuring safety and security over the holiday period:
Boost your security: Even if you’re only stepping out for a few minutes, ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked, your alarm system is activated, the electric fence is on and gates are locked, and any tools that could be used to break into your home are securely stashed away.
Look after your visitors: If you’re having guests over, try to ensure that they don’t park in the street or encourage them to leave their cars safely at home and rather use Uber or Bolt.
Safeguard the items being targeted: Experts have indicated that solar panels, gas bottles and gate motors top the list of things stolen from properties most often in 2024. Disconnect your gas bottles and store them out of sight and reach, and make sure that your panels and motors are difficult to remove.
Strengthen your connections: A major reason for crime in residential areas is a lack of communication between neighbours. If you’re heading out of town without a house-sitter, tell your security company and neighbourhood watch, as well as the neighbours in your complex, so they can keep an eye out.
Look after the people looking after your home and pets: If you have a house- or pet-sitter while you’re away, make sure they know your security system, passwords and lock-up procedure, and communicate with them regularly.
Create the illusion of being home: Keep the TV and some lights on while you’re away or use timers or smart devices to switch lights on and off at different times.
Stay vigilant: Don’t let holiday excitement cloud your judgment. Stay alert. Don’t leave shopping In plain view in your car, and don’t leave the packaging of expensive items, like TVs, on the pavement for recyclers to collect.
Be cautious with social media: It’s always tempting to share your holiday snaps but ensure that your posts are set to ‘private’. Broadcasting your travels publicly is like putting up a sign that says “We’re not home”.
Wynand recommends that all households check that their cars, buildings and home contents are insured correctly, in case the worst happens. He further reminds consumers to make a point of adding high-value purchases to their insurance, as these items may not be covered automatically.
Also see: New card scam alert! Criminals now targeting ‘tap to pay’ customers
