Over the last week, there has been a spike in house break-ins and armed robberies reported in Midrand, specifically the Halfway House area. These criminals are targeting electronic devices that they can easily grab and go, like laptops, cellphones, iPads and tablets.

Charnel Hattingh, Group head of marketing & communications at Fidelity ADT, says criminals are becoming more brazen and using different tactics to lure residents out of their homes. We urge residents to remain vigilant, when you leave your house to go for dinner or to watch sport, make sure that you arm your alarm.

The crime is mostly opportunistic, so if your perimeter is not secure, criminals are taking advantage. The suspects are quick getting in and out within minutes.  If they can’t get into you house or business, they take what they can from your property or from your parked cars.

She offers the following safety tips:

• Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks
• Fit suitable “spacers”, locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks (the most common method used by burglars on sliding doors and windows)
• Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks or burglar bars that cover all glass
• Ensure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave in doors or make unnecessary copies
• Keep the garage and tool shed locked when not in use. Would–be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool
• Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside which is activated by a motion detector
• Reduce all heavy foliage near your perimeter wall and gate to reduce the possibility of those spots being used as hiding places
• Make sure your domestic worker and gardener have a panic button.

6 tips of what to do in a residential armed robbery:

1. Stay calm and obey the robbers’ orders
2. Keep your hands visible and don’t reach for anything unless told to do so
3. Don’t try to negotiate with them. Speak when spoken to and do so clearly
4. Give them what they ask for and don’t lie about safes or cash in the home. In all likelihood, the robbers have done their homework
5. Observe the robbers and try to gather information on their appearances, voices, language used, etc. Look at clothing, distinguishing marks, height and types of weapons, for example
6. Keep them informed so there are no surprises, like a family member arriving for a visit.

Afterwards:

• Press your panic button/phone to alert your armed response service provider and/or phone the police on 10111. Say if you need medical assistance
• Lock all doors
• Check on the victims. Keep everyone calm
• Relate the incident clearly and in detail to the first responders
• Try not to disturb areas the robbers were in and point out anything they may have left behind.

“Please ensure that your alarms are in working order and are set. Please also be alert when driving in the area and if you believe you are being followed don’t turn into your driveway but rather drive to your nearest police station, security boom or a place with activity. Remember to only open your gate when you are sure it is safe to do so and close it immediately after you have entered,” concludes Hattingh.