Spike in crime Centurion – High-end motorbikes targeted
Fidelity ADT has issued a warning to Centurion residents. This weekend alone there were five-armed house robberies and four reported theft of high-end Motorbikes.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT, cautions residents to remain vigilant to avoid becoming an easy target. Centurion areas affected include Lyttelton, Rooihuiskraal and Dooringkloof.
Residents are reminded to always remember to activate outside beams as these act as an early warning signal. If your perimeter is not secure criminals will take advantage. Suspects are also targeting high-end super bikes. In the cases reported – bike owners do not have tracking devices fitted on their bikes and criminals are taking advantage,” she says.
The suspects are quick, getting in and out within minutes. ‘These days tracking devices have become so much more affordable and so sophisticated that it is definitely worth investing in one,” says Hattingh
She offers the following safety tips:
- Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks.
- Fit suitable “spacers”, locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks (the most common method used by burglars on sliding doors and windows).
- Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks or burglar bars that cover all glass.
- Ensure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave in doors or make unnecessary copies.
- Keep the garage and tool shed locked when not in use. Would–be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool.
- Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside which is activated by a motion detector.
- Reduce all heavy foliage near your perimeter wall and gate to reduce the possibility of those spots being used as hiding places.
“Please ensure that your alarms are in working order and are set. Please also be alert when driving in the area and if you believe you are being followed don’t turn into your driveway but rather drive to your nearest police station, security boom or a place with activity. Remember to only open your gate when you are sure it is safe to do so and close it immediately after you have entered,” concludes Hattingh.