The Din-Al-View CPF is warning residents in Dinwiddie, Albemarle, Castleview, Union and Norton Small Farms that crime has increased drastically in their community.<\/p>\n
People need to be aware of their local surroundings, the movement of cars and the movement of pedestrians in their neighbourhood.<\/p>
Get to know the regular movements of your neighbours and exchange contact details with them.<\/p>\n
If someone comes to your gate saying they are from a certain company do not let them in.<\/p>
Phone the company from your own phone to find out if they have people in your area.<\/p>\n
Even legitimate artisans who have worked in residents\u2019 homes have pilfered laptops and cellphones.<\/p>\n
Supervise workers in your home.<\/p>\n
\u201cStatistics show that homeowners are more vulnerable between 5am and 9am and again between 5pm and 9pm,” said Jane Dijkman, public relations officer for the Din-Al-View CPF.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, criminals now appear to be synchronising their activities with load shedding, which does not make things any easier for residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cExamine the area between your fence and the entrance to your front door from the point of view of a criminal; do this during the daytime and again at night.<\/p>\n
\u201cSolar powered lights could be used to light up dark corners and long-lasting battery-powered motion detection beams are available and could warn you of intruders.<\/p>\n
\u201cCut down large bushes that could conceal criminals on the path of your front entrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo the same to your back garden.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to make it as difficult as you can for anyone to gain undetected access to your garden.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CPF\u2019s night patrollers often get a good view of people in their homes through un-curtained windows.<\/p>\n
\u201cCriminals could easily observe your household over a period and strike when all the occupants are in the same room,” Dijkman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe patrollers could see families sitting in the lounge and could even determine which TV programme was being watched \u2013 and this from a car in the street.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatrollers also noticed a number of open gates and even open front doors while residents were home.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne house had the front door standing open, while residents were having a chat on the pavement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe back of the house was on a different street.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an indication to anyone who wants to gain access to your property that it will be easy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CPF is also warning against leaving laptops and other valuables on car seats in parking lots and car doors not being locked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an open invitation to any passing criminal to take advantage of the opportunity you have presented; we have become very complacent and think it will never happen to us, only to someone else,\u201d Dijkman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one wants to become a statistic, so please be extra vigilant when you come and go anywhere, even if it is to the shops.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook around you first when you stop your car and notice what is happening around you before you make the decision to get out of your car.\u201d<\/p>\n