3-step guide to reporting a break-in

House break-ins in South Africa have increased, with about 1.4 million homes broken into over the last year according to StatsSA. With so many homes and people affected, it’s important to know what to do if you fall victim to this crime. H ere’s a quick 3-step guide on reporting a break in.

1.Contact the police

You can report a crime by telephone on 08600 10111 or on 10111 for emergencies, in person at the police station or to members of the police patrolling in your community. 2.Make a statement A police official will take a statement from you. You can make your statement in any language.

You will also need to give:

• your ID number

• your age

• your full residential address

• your postal address

• your contact details

• full description of the crime scene (address, day, time and date of the incident)

• full details of the nature of the incident

• description of the person who committed the crime

• full description of property (in case of theft, robbery etc), injuries (assault etc)

• full particulars of possible witnesses

You’ll be asked to sign the statement after making it to confirm you understand and agree with everything written down.

3.Your case is registered and investigated

Your case will be registered on the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS), and you will be given a reference number (CAS number). Make sure you write this number down and keep it somewhere safe. The docket will be allocated to an investigating officer, who will handle your case. Contact the investigating officer and have your case number at hand if you want to follow up on the progress of your case. You have the right to know who is handling your case, as well as to receive feedback and updates on its progress.

Our lawyers can answer your legal questions for free! Join us every first Thursday of the month from 11:30 to 13:30 on the Scorpion Legal Protection Facebook page in our Live Q& A.

This is only basic legal advice and cannot be relied on solely. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.