With the festive season upon us, the public is again sensitised against crime and criminals who may take advantage of them over this period.
Neal de Wit, owner of the private security company Precinct Response, said during the festive season there is always a huge spike in crime.
“Not only at one’s home but online, at the malls as well. One needs to protect oneself to make certain that only Santa is the home visitor this year and not the Grinch.
“Online purchases and scams are all year round and increase this time of the year – I live by the rule if it is too good to be, it is. Please be careful with these purchases as there has also been an increase, with the delivery drivers being attacked outside the purchaser’s homes.
“At shopping malls there has been an increase of remote jamming in parking lots; always make sure you have locked your vehicle properly,” De Wit said.
He said people also need to be mindful around the house.
“Disposing of that new television box in your front yard only gives the criminals the upper hand knowing what is on their shopping list when they break in.
“Always set your alarm and test it from time to time. With the severe loadshedding we are facing, back-up systems are to be looked into and making sure one’s batteries are in a good standard operational order alongside one’s home,” De Wit said.
