\u201cWe see an increase in incidents in the months leading up to the festive season so it\u2019s important that residents not only ensure their security systems are up and running but that no-one is let into the property before they have been verified as being legitimate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She added that these criminals are shrewd and will collect information from letters in post-boxes and dustbins and even speak to people on the street so they can seem as legitimate as possible.<\/p>
\u201cWe are urging all residents to raise this concern with their children, domestic staff and tenants so we can stop these criminals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Educating children and domestic staff about the dangers of opening the gate to someone you are not expecting is vital.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are expecting workmen\/contractors or deliveries please ensure you brief your domestic staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease also ensure that if you have a postbox it is cleared on a regular basis,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Small businesses operating out of residential properties are also at risk.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Crime trends addressed in Wychwood and Malvern East<\/a><\/p>\n Why your house number should be clearly visible<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBusinesses often have to deal with regular deliveries so it\u2019s important that this is controlled properly.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not open the gate unless you are absolutely sure that the delivery is something you are expecting.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to leave the delivery person waiting outside the property if you need to verify the details.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is also advisable to install a second security measure such as a security gate with an intercom at the front door.<\/p>\n \u201cThis gives you a second level of defense and possible a few minutes more to press the panic button before the criminals have entered the house,\u201d explained Hattingh.<\/p>\n Panic buttons are key, she added, saying that domestic workers or business staff should have easy access to a button if a crisis arises.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s no use if panic buttons are put in a cupboard somewhere and forgotten about.<\/p>\n \u201cThey need to be easily accessible and we recommend that domestic workers have them in a pocket or hanging around their necks for quick access.<\/p>\n \u201cPanic buttons should also be checked regularly to ensure they are in good working condition,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n In the case of verifying security officers and technicians, Hattingh said Fidelity ADT officers carry a branded ID card with their name, PSIRA number and a photograph.<\/p>\n Technicians are also identifiable and will make prior appointments before arriving.<\/p>\n \u201cGet to know your neighbours.<\/p>\n \u201cReport any suspicious individuals or vehicles you see in your neighbourhood.<\/p>\n \u201cBy working together you can ensure that these criminals are less likely to target a property in your area,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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