Introduction and definitions

Home robbery occurs when there is contact between the perpetrator and one or more household members during the robbery. Typically, the victims are subdued by force when the crime is committed. This makes home robbery a more violent crime than housebreaking, where there is, by definition, no contact between perpetrators and victims when the crime is committed.

It is important to understand how criminals work during house robberies and some characteristics of these violent criminals.

How criminals select their targets

In many instances, criminals select their targets because of the following:

• Criminals Targets houses because of certain inside information, which often involves talking to domestic workers, gardeners, or security guards.
• Robbers prefer neighbourhoods that have many entrances and exit points.
• Neighbourhoods with easy access to main roads and where street security is low or non-existent.
• Criminals also looked for households with valuable items to steal.

Demands made on victims:

• Victims are usually forced to lie on the ground and not look at the attackers.
• Threats of violence are used to get victims to comply with their demands for These threats are carried out when victims fail to follow promptly to their demands.
• Information is sought from victims regarding the whereabouts of cash, valuables, and keys for the safe. If you have a safe, please make sure that all at home have access to the safe, failing which, the attackers may see this as non-compliance.

Analysis of a Criminal

These criminals primarily target homes where:

• They are less likely to face resistance.
• There is also the chance that these criminals are just looking for a violent confrontation or a sexual assault opportunity.
• Unlike typical burglars, house robberies require homework; and
• These criminals will spend the time to properly target a person or residence.

Modus operandi used by these criminals

The modus operandi used by these criminals is to gain access to properties, which includes them using the following:

• Tools such as crowbars, picks, and other heavy-duty tools are used to lift gates off the rails, forcing locks off swing gates or breaking rails off gates entirely.
• Domestic workers are fooled into permitting access.
• Accessed mail from the mailbox and then use the owner’s name gleaned from the mail.
• Pressing the intercom and pretending to be looking for someone.
• Climbing over walls and gates that are not protected or electrified.

Attacks have also taken place during the following opportunities:

• When deliveries are taking place.
• When gardeners are working on the pavement.
• When putting the bin out for collection.
• Capitalising on open gates when people are entering or leaving.
• When domestic workers are hanging out the washing.

The following are some of the measures you can take to prevent or stop home robberies:

1. Be careful about who enters your property

These criminals could use deception to approach your residence, posing as a delivery person, salesperson, or even have a woman accomplice knock on the door while the aggressor waits out of sight. This situation would normally occur during the day and is a technique employed by the criminal as a scout (lookout).

Always be suspicious of those that you allow into your home, such as the exterminator, carpet cleaner, repair person, etc. If something does not feel right, ask them to leave. It is advisable to use a reputable company that has been recommended to you by someone you trust.

2. Know your neighbourhood/street

The golden rule is: If something feels wrong in your neighbourhood/street, it is wrong. Trust your gut, because if you cannot, you have a bigger problem on your hands. If you are leaving for work in the morning and you see a suspicious car parked around the corner, do not ignore it.  Report it to the police or the Sector Crime forum, or Street Committee or your Neighbourhood Watch.

3. Implement detection methods

Installing exterior motion sensor lights and detection beams not only allows homeowners to remain alert to any activity and movement on the property, but they also deter criminals from invading the property. It is also advisable to install exterior lighting that can be controlled remotely from the inside of the home.

4.Install CCTV

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a huge deterrent for burglars. By having CCTV cameras running 24/7, burglars are less likely to attack for fear of being filmed, recognized, and caught. It is also a clever idea to have a camera installed at the front gate so that visitors can be viewed safely.

5.Ensure that the alarm system is in working order

Alarms and armed response services are not only an important requirement of most home insurance policies but also help to protect homeowners and occupants.

6.Change routines

Robbers often survey a home before conducting the robbery. Therefore, it is a clever idea to change exit and return routines and routes as much as possible.

7.Befriending neighbours

8.Befriend neighbours

By Befriending neighbours, homeowners will have an extra set of eyes looking out for their property. Building good relationships can also be beneficial in the event of an emergency, as they will be more willing to assist.

9.The use of automatic gate entrances

The use of automatic gate entrances will also ensure that homeowners do not have to leave the safety of their vehicles to access the premises.

10.Take caution when hiring employees

Home robberies can also result from inside information from domestic workers or former employees. As a result, it is important to take precautions when hiring employees to work in the home or on the property.

11.Never give copies of the house keys

Homeowners should never give copies of the house keys to general service providers or strangers.

12.Change locks upon moving into a new house

When homeowners move into a new home, it is imperative that they change the locks on all doors immediately, as they can never be sure who previously had a copy of the keys to the house.

13.Keep the walls and garden clear

Bushes and long grass provide criminals with a good hiding place; therefore, homeowners should always trim down grass and large bushes and remove tall trees from the property’s boundaries and driveways

14.Gardening tools items should always be packed away

Gardening tools items such as ladders or crowbars can assist robbers to break in, so these items should always be packed away.

15.Secure doors and windows

Keep doors and windows locked when not in use.

16.Install burglar bars and security gates

As an added security measure, install burglar bars and security gates.

17.Close your garage door.

An open garage door is like a giant highway billboard that says, “Rob Me.” Also, you should know that relying solely on the electric garage door opener for security is risky.

18.Do not open the door to strangers

Do not open the door to anyone you do not know, especially at night.

19. Install a peephole

If you do not have a peephole, install one at the front door. If you have one, make sure that you and your family are in the habit of using it.

20. Alarmed gates and motors Gates and motors can be alarmed to prevent criminals’ easy access to your property. Gates and motor alarms can be linked to the existing alarm.

Dos and don’ts when faced with intruders:

Listed hereunder are the most important dos and don’ts to remember if you do fall victim to a house robbery:

1. Offer no resistance to the attackers unless you have a real chance of resisting the Remember, there is always more than you know about – they often have unseen accomplices outside who are armed and will not hesitate to use violence should the need arise.
2. Do not make any sudden movements – keep still and move only when instructed to do so.
3. Try and remain calm and comply with the attackers’ instructions immediately. Household goods are replaceable. The longer attackers remain in your home, the greater the risk of other crimes being committed.
4. Keep quiet – robbers will use any means possible to ensure that they are Those who make a noise risk being dealt with severely.
5. Do not look at the attackers in the face – look away from them and when lying down, close your eyes.
6. Answer their questions honestly – if they find that you have lied, they might assume you have lied about other issues too. This can cause retaliatory attacks.
7. Teach children to lie down, keep quiet, and stay still under all circumstances. If possible, teach them to hide under their beds and keep quiet.

Many homes are criminal-friendly, which increases the risk of being targeted by house robbers. Detailed hereunder are some important tips for making your home less criminal-friendly.

Lightning does strike twice. If you are unlucky enough to have been robbed once, you are at even higher risk in the future. Whatever attracted the thief the first time around: “curb appeal,” inside info, isolation, etc., still exists after the crime. What is worse, once the burglar has robbed you, he knows the layout of your home. It is common for burglars to wait until you have replaced your things and then rob you again.

Please share this message with your family, friends, and loved ones. Warn them of the inherent dangers of house robberies and how to protect against them