The recent crime stats show that housebreak-ins are the most common crime experienced by South African residents. From 1 July 2022 to 20 September 2022, 40 550 households were burgled.

Over the past few years, South Africa has seen rising levels of crime, and with the festive season upon us and many people travelling during this period, we are likely to see an increase in housebreakings.

Here are some safety tips that can help you this festive season:

• Install CCTV and ensure that your alarm system is in working order.
• Change routines as most burglars watch the house they want to break into to see the patterns of those coming and going.
• Keep the walls and garden clear of any valuables.
• Secure doors and windows with burglar bars, making it harder for potential burglars to gain access.
• Make friends with neighbours and be part of the neighbourhood watch or local community policing forum.
• Don’t let people know you are going on vacation and get a family member or friend to house sit your home.
• Some burglars mark your home by leaving objects on your gate or outside on the pavement. Remove any foreign objects you find.

BLSA National Project Manager Mr Johan Kruger gives South Africans some safety tips that can minimize their chances of a home break-in this festive season: