Zululand residents are urged to be extra vigilant during the winter season
CPF chairperson Zonita Grobbelaar said they recently met with police and security companies to discuss areas of concern as well as safety measures that needed to be put in place
WITH the winter season in full swing, the Empangeni Community Policing Forum (CPF) is gearing for a rise in ‘opportunistic crime.’
CPF chairperson Zonita Grobbelaar said they recently met with police and security companies to discuss areas of concern as well as safety measures that needed to be put in place.
Despite a drop in house burglaries in recent weeks, Grobbelaar said that business robberies and petty theft had increased.
She urged residents to be more vigilant, as it is getting dark a lot earlier.
‘We are still seeing that many people are leaving their doors, windows and garages open, and this gives criminals an open invitation into their home.
‘We are also urging people not to leave their washing outside to dry through the night, and most importantly to test their alarms and panic button remotes.
‘While security lights are a good measure, the light must be directed away from the house and must allow the homeowners to stand close to the windows without being seen from the outside. If you are going away, try and get a friend or a neighbour to check on your home daily.’
Grobbelaar said that people who could not afford a proper security system, could try other methods.
‘In a rural environment, a siren or alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance can be activated by means of a panic button in the house. ‘Examples of alarm systems can be threaded tins, threaded pieces of iron that are placed at the entrance point, gravel on window sills, pathways or around the home and obstacles that can make a noise when moved.
‘Dogs, geese and ostriches also make for good deterrents.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
