CRIMINALS TAKE

ADVANTAGE

BOSKRUIN, Jukskei Park, Randburg, Edenburg, Sandton, Gallo Manor, Illovo, Parkmore, Morningside, Joburg North, Rivonia and Eastgate all have one thing in common – they are all areas being hit by criminals just before scheduled power outages.

Criminals are taking advantage of the load shedding interruptions to break into residents’ homes.

According to Fidelity ADT, there have been 15 incidents over the last three months in the above areas.

Bongani Qebengu, regional armed response manager, said the modus operandi is similar in all these incidents. “The suspects look at the power outage schedule, and then, an hour before the scheduled power cut, they trip the electricity at the electric box, disarm the electric fence and often derail the electric gate and then burgle the property”.

He lists some safety habits to remember:

◆ Lock all doors and windows all the time. This applies to your house, your vehicle and any outbuildings on your property; ◆ Keep valuable items out of sight. Never leave keys, wallets, cellphones or any other small items on a table or anywhere close to a window;

◆ If you are worried about your security when there is no power, call your private security provider to check the premises;

◆ Do not ignore SMS messages that refer

to low battery;

◆ Make sure that your alarm batteries are working optimally. If you aren’t sure, call your security provider to test; and ◆ Make sure that your electric fences are

connected to a backup battery.