CRIME IN SECUNDA, EVANDER, STANDERTON AND BETHAL

Crime must be one of the most discussed topics in any South African household, but the good news is cosmos country does not lead crime stats in the country. Any crime is one too many, but at least one can act proactively in most cases.

2015 saw just under 3000 criminal acts in Secunda as reported by Crime Stats SA, and burglaries or stealing head the list, followed by damage to property. Evander had 673 crimes, Standerton 2743 and Bethal 1080. The same trend is seen as in Secunda and burglary, robbery, theft and carjacking are amongst the highest statistics.

The following tips may help to protect your main assets:

1. Prune bushes and trees around your property that prevents someone from reporting a crime or providing welcome hiding places for wrongdoers.
2. Use shades, blinds or curtains to hide attractive goods that may invite burglars for crimes of opportunity.
3. Don’t advertise new purchases by placing the empty container boxes of these items on your sidewalk. Burglars may be invited to inspect!
4. Invest in motion-sensitive lighting around the property at night. These lights are not so expensive and can save you thousands by preventing a burglary.
5. Timers inside your home that switches different lights on or off at irregular intervals when you are absent will create the illusion that someone is home.
6. Make sure entry points into your home are hardened, either by burglar proofing, security doors or an alarm system. Again, spending money now is being proactive.
7. Use plexi-glass near doors that will prevent burglars from breaking a window to open the door from the inside. The plastic-reinforced glass makes breaking it very difficult.
8. Dogs remain powerful anti-theft incentives, especially if they are visible and respected.
9. Straight or easy access to your house from the street invites all sorts of trouble. Invest in a sturdy, proper and see-through fence such as pallisades.
10. Be aware of strangers that approach your house on pretext of seeking jobs, selling etc. Note what they wear, what they look like and how often you see them.
11. Keep anything that will ward off an unwanted visitor close, e.g. oven spray in the kitchen or even hairspray in the bedroom that may be used to incapacitate a burglar for a few seconds.
12. Be aware when you get into/ out of your car. Are there people nearby, who, how many etc. Don’t proceed if you don’t feel safe.
13. Always lock all car doors when travelling and rather use air con or side windows for air, rather than turning windows all the way down in urban areas.
14. Store bags underneath seats, rather than putting them next to you, as a smash-and-grab is easier when the bag is on the seat.
15. Invest in a petrol/diesel cut-out system that will ensure the hijacker will not get far!

Stay safe