TIPS: Protect your property at all costs

According to Security in Practice CEO Louis Grobler, burglars select houses based on key factors that include visibility and vulnerability of the target.

“We have noticed that break-ins have a direct correlation with how familiar the criminal is with the target/s and whether the house is occupied or not. The accessibility to the property also plays a role and the criminals are always calculating the potential rewards, in other words, the goods that they can steal from the house,” Grobler explained.

He said home owners can protect themselves by using common sense.

“Lock up behind yourself and monitor your street so that you know what’s going on around you,” he advised.

“Install deadbolt locks and if you are moving into a new home, make sure to change your locks and to re-key all of them.”

Grobler added that if you suspect any suspicious activities you should contact the police immediately.

“Lighting is one of the best deterrents of night-time burglaries and residents should install lights outside all of their exterior doors and the bulbs should be hard to reach.”

He said if your house is broken into and goods are stolen, you have to provide proof to the insurance company of what the criminals took.

“Take photos of all your valuables and make a list that includes how much you paid for each item. This will make it easier to see what was stolen.”

Grobler concluded, “Be aware of your surroundings and introduce yourself to your neighbours.”