Break-in experts plague Knysna

There has been increase in certain crime trends in Knysna and its outlying areas according to a local security company.

According to Allsound Security managing director Declan Nurse, the trend has come in the form of more advanced break-ins in Hunters Home in particular over the past six months. Wilderness, Sedgefield, and Plettenberg Bay have also experienced an increase using the same modus operandi.

Nurse further pointed out that while these break-in trends have existed for many years in the cities, the frequency around the Garden Route has increase in recent months.

The company has issued a statement on the matter along with recommendations on how to combat these trends:

A change in break-in methods:

Criminals are specifically trying to target the alarm panels and transmitters. These are predominantly occurring during the day while residents are away from home. The suspects are trying to disable the alarm systems, sometimes via the roof.

It is believed these suspects are operating between Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay with the same modus operandi. Allsound suspects that a vehicle may be involved in the transporting of the suspects.

Recommendations:

Residents are encouraged to be alert and record/report suspicious vehicles in their areas to their security company or SAPS.

Perimeter beams should be armed to generate a signal before a suspect can reach the house.

Homeowners can consider the installation of microwave passives in highrisk areas such as panel location and roofs.

An increase in house robberies:

There has been an increase in house robberies where victims are held up or tied up and valuables demanded. These incidents in Knysna and surrounding towns have predominantly occurred at night between the hours of 20:00 and 23:00.

Recommendations:

Perimeter beams should be armed while residents are going about their evening routines. Early detection combined with an audible siren is key to prevention.

Panic buttons should be strategically placed around the house or kept on your person for ease of access.

Residents are discouraged from going out to investigate noises.

In the event of intrusion, it is important to cooperate but at the same time, take in as much information about the suspects as possible.

Cut back foliage which criminals can use to hide.

Install motion-activated lights outside. Close and lock doors and windows. Use your alarms on the "stay" function. Supplied, Allsound