Surge in Festive Season Burglaries Spurs Safety Warnings

The festive season in South Africa is a time of mixed feelings as it comes with an unfortunate rise in home burglaries. Data released by the SA Insurance Crime Bureau depicts a concerning 261 percent increase in domestic robberies from 2022 to 2023, making the holidays less merry and more worrisome for homeowners. The statistics demonstrate that incidents of these crimes, where offenders confront their victims, have jumped to a startling 5,631 occurrences.

Auto & General, one of the country's leading insurance providers, has identified December as a particularly vulnerable month for homeowners, with a 48 percent surge in reported housebreaking events. Ricardo Coetzee, the head of Auto & General, points out that most break-ins occur in the week straddling Christmas and New Year, a period when homes are often left empty or with less security as residents visit loved ones or relax away from their abodes. Additionally, the presence of more valuable items in homes due to festive gifting makes them prime targets for theft.

In an effort to combat the increase in such crimes, Auto & General has disseminated a series of crucial tips for South Africans to keep their homes safe during this high-risk period. The advice ranges from basic vigilance to strategic deceptions that can deter potential burglars:

1. Employ every security measure available, even when you are at home. Neglecting to use the perimeter fence or leaving doors unlocked can present a golden opportunity for a robber to quickly and silently make their move.

2. Always be aware of any unfamiliar vehicles or individuals in the vicinity of your home, particularly after doing holiday shopping. Thieves often shadow shoppers they perceive as high-value targets back to their houses.

3. Understanding the routines of your neighbors can also be a powerful tool. It helps in identifying suspicious behavior that differs from the typical patterns observed in your community.

4. Post-holiday packaging should be disposed of discreetly. Leaving empty boxes in plain sight advertises to criminals what new valuables are inside the home. Instead, shred or conceal the packaging to avoid drawing attention.

5. Randomizing your daily schedule is another tactic that can work in your favor. When potential burglars can't predict your comings and goings, it makes it more difficult for them to plan a break-in.

6. If you plan to be away for an extended period, inform your security service provider and arrange for someone you trust to monitor your residence, collect mail, and sporadically switch on lights. These activities create the illusion of occupancy, further dissuading criminal activity.

By adhering to these guidelines, South Africans can make it significantly more challenging for burglars to disrupt their festive cheer. Homeowners are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive, because these additional security efforts could make all the difference between a season of joy and one of loss.