Following a recent spate of house robberies in the Centurion area, Fidelity ADT has issued a warning to homeowners to remain vigilant, particularly over weekends.

Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT, reported that six incidents were recorded in the past week alone. The affected suburbs include Lyttelton, Doornkloof, Wierdapark, Eldoraigne, and surrounding areas.

“We are noticing a shift in modus operandi, with suspects targeting homes during weekends when residents are at home and their alarm systems are not activated. The suspects often scout the area under the guise of seeking accommodation, and when homeowners open their doors, they are held at gunpoint,” Hattingh explained.

“How you react when faced with a nervous, gun-toting criminal can save your life, or cost you your life. All family members need to know what to do if uninvited guests come through the door intent on robbing you, or worse.”

6 tips of what to do in an 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.