UNDERSTANDING THE WAYS OF HOW A BURGLAR OPERATES

Understanding the ways of how a Burglar operates. Burglars also known as thieves. There a lot of different burglars, there is the professional, the semi-professional, the amateur and many others. According to us as residents of the home, we know them as just burglars or thieves. The professional burglars usually want the valuable assets and the amateurs just want anything they can get their hands on. Residential burglars are mostly the male teenagers who live in your neighbourhood. They are opportunists who look for easy targets. Should they find that the risk of entry is not safe for them, they will back away and not attempt to enter your premises. Take precaution of unfamiliar young faces scouting around your place for no apparent reason. Or even install a CCTV just outside your home for security reasons. Burglar alarm systems are available at very reasonable prices on the internet. www.autogate.co.za. At Autogate they install burglar alarm systems at very affordable prices and come with a product warranty. Our in house technicians will also teach you on how to operate the system should the need be necessary. We have branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Centurion and Midrand. Africa Crime Signals In some neighbourhoods, cold drink cans are left on the pavement to indicate the level of force involved in breaking in or stealing from you. CREAM SODA CANS ARE USED AS: GREEN COKE CAN AS: RED A FLATTENED PLASTIC MILK BOTTLE IS USED AS: WHITE These items are strategically left on your pavement to look like general public litter and are always placed so that a passer-by won't kick it out of the way. BE ALERT!!! In the East Rand most burglaries occur between 2am and 4am in the morning and 90% are through the roof. They lift the roof tiles, cut the plastic cover and kick the ceiling panel out and gain access. This takes about 30-40 seconds. Please take time to read through and make yourselves aware of this modus operandi of criminals. New organized crime battle indicators... Three different colours are used to indicate target difficulty i.e.: * red - be prepared to use armed force or will encounter resistance; * White - easy target; * Green - go ahead - all clear (nobody home!!!). * Blue - somebody on premises will provide assistance; These indicators are placed on the pavement outside your property in different forms. In certain cases, red rope has been used or white stones. It could also be a plastic bag tied to the branch of a shrub, a tree or grass. It could be grass knotted in a bundle. They have previously also used pieces of metal or plastic which have been stuck into the ground. Please check outside of your properties on a regular basis and remove any identification marks that you find. Would-be criminals follow people home from shopping centres (particularly the ladies). Ladies are advised not to wear expensive jewellery or flash large sums of money around at shopping centres. We are advised that people have been followed home from shopping centres, have entered boomed areas and have been robbed at their premises within the closed off areas. Please be aware of what and who is around you at shopping centres. And who may be following you home. Tips to protect you against armed attacks These questions will assist you to combat crime around your home, plot and farm! 1. Do you and the rest of the family leave home on the same time each day? a) Mr. x @ 6:20, Monday to Saturday – bad habit b) Mrs. X@ 6:55 Monday to Friday – bad habit c) Family @8:50 Sunday Church – change some Sundays to the late morning/evening service d) Mr. Junior @±8:00 random to collage & love roster – good habit e) Change your routine each week – be early some days! 2. Who stay behind? a) Can the servants be bribed? b) How do you protect them against this? Don’t open the door to strangers! c) Don’t answer the intercom! 3. Do you arrive home at the same time each day? a) Change your routine weekly per day b) Don’t buy bread and milk at the same place every day c) Change your after hour’s routine regularly, missing a card evening, prayer group meeting, once in a while. Substitute it maybe with another group the next night, or invite them to your house! 4. Do you know your Nabors? a) A regular chat across the fence / cup of tea creates a risk for the intruder – he think help is close by. Make sure the domestics see this! 5. Do you sell from your premise? The perception is: i. There must be money at your premises and intruders will try to trick you by pretending to be a “good buyer” 6. Do your Nabors know your premises? a) This will inhibit the intruders hidden escape routes b) Invite the Nabors to inspect your garden and premises once in a while – make sure the domestics are aware of this routine 7. Do you inspect your perimeter, garage, storerooms, etc. daily for marks, signs, broken windows, funny markings or even empty bottles? a) This will discourage the ordinary intruder as more sophisticated methods of property marking must be deployed plus obtaining keys for the premises from your domestics! 8. Do you make sure that you see your dogs on arrival? a) This will discourage the juvenile intruder and prompt the professional intruder to calm and manipulate the dogs without you detecting it! Make sure anyway! 9. Do you always carry a gun? a) Opportunity for the professional intruder to easily obtain a fire arm b) What type of weapons do you have? Hand guns are popular targets! 10. When your workers ask to borrow money, do you readily take it out of the safe? a) Pretend that you do not have money in the house and will only have money for him/her the next day or so. This creates the perception that you don’t carry cash at home b) The best procedure is not to loan money to your workers under any circumstances c) Pay their salaries into a bank account at the arranged intervals and that is it. d) No cash transactions at any time. If you do borrow them money, then at least transfer it into their bank account Alarman can assist you! Tips to protect you against Hijacking Hijacking is “Robbery with aggravating circumstances” Hijacking (carjacking, truckjacking) is the violent form of motor vehicle theft. It is a serious threat to our personal safety because the thief uses force and fear to rob our car from us. Sometimes the car owner or other occupants are kidnapped during a Hijacking, and if lucky will be dropped off nearby unharmed. The worst case scenario occurs when you are transported to a secondary crime scene, which is usually more dangerous than the original confrontation (my own son Philip was held at gunpoint for a few hours at a remote site). Those not so lucky victims have suffered other crimes like rape, aggravated assault, and even homicide. Since the mid-1980s, Hijacking has captured the attention of the media with reports of these sudden and violent attacks. Hijackers have unknowingly driven off with infants still in the backseat of the car, leaving behind a screaming and emotionally distressed parent. Other drivers have been violently pulled out of their seats and left for dead lying on the road, terrified by what just occurred. The crime of Hijacking can be traumatic to our everyday lives because it creates fear in the common act of driving a car. Victims of Hijacking have reported being unable to drive a car again while others required months of therapy. Others have become so hypersensitive, that embarrassing and dangerous situations have arisen in response to their fear when someone unwittingly approached their car on foot. How Hijacking Got Started Hijacking has always been around, especially in large metropolitan cities, we just rarely read about it as news wasn’t that freely available those days. The crime of Hijacking "took off" in the 1980s after the media published stories of bizarre situations and the violence associated with the crime. The media coined the phrase "Hijacking" and the crime of auto theft took on a new identity. After a rush of publicity, other criminals "copied" the crime of Hijacking. These copycat criminals must have said, "Hey, I can steal any vehicle I want without damaging it, I get the car keys, and I can even rob the owner too. What a profitable concept!" Another reason Hijacking got started is because of the sophistication and prevalence of new anti-theft devices and alarm systems. New car alarms and steering wheel locking systems made it tougher on the auto thief. Chip-integrated ignition switches, engine cutoff devices, and stolen vehicle locators are now more common in cars. Unfortunately for us, poorly motivated and unskilled car thieves have adapted by becoming more violent to get the cars they need and don't think twice about using force against us. Sometimes criminals will hijack a vehicle for use in another crime like armed robbery or for a drive-by shooting. These Hijackers prefer to have a set of car keys and not have a visibly smashed window or damaged ignition switch that can be easily spotted by the police. This class of car thief is the most dangerous because they are usually heavily armed (AK-47) and are not concerned with your welfare. How Often Does Hijacking Occur National Hijacking statistics are not readily available in South Africa. Most police jurisdictions charge the crime of Hijacking as a robbery with aggravating circumstances since force or fear was used to steal the vehicle directly from the owner. Many police agencies record multiple charges like aggravated robbery, auto theft, assault, battery to one event but usually only the first charge (robbery) gets indexed and statistically tracked. Some Police Stations charge the crime of Hijacking as only an auto theft since a vehicle was stolen. Since the crime of Hijacking was not indexed in the SAPS Crime Reports, it was never mentioned at official levels. It is only now that we see a national statistic on frequency, which is generated from police reports. See the “LINKS” page for a direct link to SAPS crime Statistics for Pretoria and Gauteng About 25% of all Hijackings that take place are failed attempts. Of the completed Hijackings, 92% will have weapons where only 75% will be armed (loaded) during the attempts. Unfortunately, this statistic tells us that Hijackers must be armed to be taken seriously by victims. A handgun is the weapon of choice (±32%) followed by a knife (±25%). Males are responsible for 97% of the Hijackings and attempts and are usually carried out by either two or more perpetrators. Where Does Hijacking Occur Hijacking can occur anywhere, but is largely a big city problem like traditional car theft. Hijacking in America occurs most often in a busy commercial area where cars are parked and when the owner is entering or exiting the parked vehicle. In South Africa the situation is much different. 1. Most Hijackings take place in front of the victim’s home (≥50%) 2. Most Hijackings (65%) occur within 10km of the victim's home. 3. The Hijacker wants the keys readily available and the car door unlocked for a quick getaway. 4. Hijackers tend to rob lone victims more often (90%), for obvious reasons. 5. Men are victimized more often than women 6. Whites more than others 7. Divorced, separated, or never married more than married or widowed. This trend is not surprising given the fact that younger single males tend to take more chances and go to higher risk locations than do married persons. It is unclear whether household income or the value of the vehicle is a criterion in Hijacking as the statistics are spread throughout the income levels 8. Surprisingly, that ≥60% of the daytime Hijackings is actually completed, while less than half of those at night are completed. This may be reflective of who is being victimized and who is out at night. 9. In the early days about 60% of all Hijacking victims took some form of action to defend themselves or their property. Victims were injured about 20% of the time in completed Hijackings and about 15% during attempts. Don’t attempt this now, let them have the vehicle! 10. Also interesting is that 100% of completed Hijacked victims call the police, whereas ≈40% call to report an attempted Hijacking. This variable in reporting is probably related to the desire to get their property back and for insurance purposes. Popular Hijacking locations are: 1. 50% - In front of your own driveway 2. 13% - Parking lots, shopping centers, convenience stores, ATMs, and outside of retail stores 3. 13% - At traffic lights, Stop streets etc. 4. 12% - Sitting in a parked car, waiting for somebody or cell phone chatting 5. 12% - All other attempts · Close proximity to a freeway onramp is a desirable escape factor from the Hijackers prospective. · A risky, but popular location for the Hijacker is a roadway intersection with a stoplight. A Hijacker will jump out of another vehicle, pull open your unlocked drivers’ door, and force you to get out. The type of Hijacking allows for a quick escape but increases their risk of being followed by other drivers armed with cell phones. · There have been incidents where well-meaning citizens got into a high-speed chase following Hijackers and ended up being victims themselves. If you don’t protect innocent lives, then let it go. Just record detail Popular Hijacking times are: · Hijacking occur every day of the week but more often on a Tuesday and Friday · Hijacking occurs at all times of the day but more often between 4:00 - 8:00 in the morning and again between 16:00 – 20:00 in the evening Popular Hijacking weapons are: The weapons used in South African and American hijacking are very similar. Both share the same statistics for 1, 2 &3 1. Handguns are number 1 2. Followed by knives 3. Then Vehicles pushing you off the road 4. Hands 5. Big caliber guns are seldom used The "Bump" and Hijacked Another copycat scheme used by Hijackers is to bump your car from behind to get you to pull over and stop. We have all been trained to always stop following a car accident to exchange license and insurance information. What a perfect scenario for a Hijacker! The Hijacker, and his accomplice, will follow the intended victim to a suitable location with good escape routes and few witnesses. The Hijacker will crash into the back of your vehicle at low speed and "bump" you with enough force to make you believe a traffic accident had just occurred. Beware of the Good Samaritan. Typically, the drivers of both vehicles pull over, stop, and get out discussing the damage. At this point the Hijacker robs you of your vehicle, its’ contents, and drives away. The Hijacker's car gets driven away by the accomplice. Hopefully you won't be injured during the exchange. What Should You Do? Hijacking of parked vehicles depends on the car owner being inattentive to their surroundings. Hijackers, like street robbers, prefer the element of surprise. Most victims say they never saw the Hijacker until they appeared at their car door. To reduce your risk of being Hijacked, I have listed some common sense steps below: Public Areas Always park in well-lighted areas, if you plan to arrive/leave after dark Don't park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage Use guarded parking or an attended parking garage As you walk to your car be alert to suspicious persons sitting in cars Ask for a security escort if you are alone at a shopping center Watch out for young males loitering in the area (handing out flyers, etc) If someone tries to approach, change direction and/or run to a busy store Follow your instincts if they tell you to walk/run away to a busy place As you approach your vehicle, look around, and inside your car If safe, open the door, enter quickly, and lock the doors Remove the key from the boot when unlocking it. Then proceeds to load your parcels in the boot Don't be a target by turning your back while loading parcels into the car Make it your habit to always start your car and drive away immediately Teach and practice with your children to enter and exit the car quickly Always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up When stopped in traffic, leave room ahead to maneuver and escape, if necessary If you are bumped in traffic, by young males, be suspicious of the accident Wave to the bumper basher to follow, and drive to a gas station or busy place before getting out Beware of the Good Samaritan who offers to repair your car or a flat tire. It's okay to get help, just be alert If you are ever confronted by an armed Hijacker don’t resist Give up your keys or money if demanded without resistance Don’t argue, fight or chase the robber. You can be seriously injured Never agree to be kidnapped. Drop the cars keys and run and scream for help If you are forced to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection to attract attention so bystanders can come to your aid and call the police Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information At Home Install an electric gate motor. Install sufficient lights at your gate – preferably on a Day/night switch Be on high alert when approaching your gate. If there are suspicious people at or near your gate, drive by. DO NOT STOP! Rather drive around the block, or go to your neighbor and contact your security company. DO NOT CONFRONT STRANGERS AT YOUR GATE. They may be armed Exit your property head (nose) first. Do not reverse out into the street; you are very vulnerable that way See that your visitors leave your premises in a safe manner At all times be alert and vigilant. It could save your life, or the life of a loved one. Just remember, the criminals have no regard for life. The police cannot be everywhere, all the time. We need to do our bit as well. Ask Alarman to advice you on practical anti-hijacking solutions around your entrance Criminals avoid the spotlight. Porches, yards, and all entrances to your home and garage should be well lighted. Renters should make sure good lighting is available around the exterior of their building and in the parking lot because burglars like to hide in dark places where they cannot be seen. Common area lighting around apartments should be on a timer or photocell to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. Trees and shrubs around windows and doors should be kept trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides cover for burglars and lets them work undetected. Some more tips from Alarman Hijacking is something all drivers fear. The more strict the gun laws and ammunition rules become, the more horrific the hijackers' attempts are. The latest weapon being used on victims is pool acid. It is kept in a syringe or even a small plastic container and then used to blind, daze and disorientate the driver of the vehicle. Drivers are requested to keep windows closed when approaching intersections or even stop signs. Here are some useful safety tips: Hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes, so your own drive way is a very big risk Be alert when stationed at any traffic sign or intersection, or when you pull off on the side of the road to answer a phone all. Don't be distracted when your vehicle is idling when off-loading / loading passengers. When approaching red traffic lights, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green. Approaching and entering your driveway: ≥50% Risk Stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and put your car in the reverse gear whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you. Make sure your driveway is well lit at night and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide. Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition and close the door. Then open the gate. If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a "negotiating tool". The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children. If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should a hijack occur. When you are on the road Parking your vehicle: Check your rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed when getting closer to your destination. Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous. When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles / persons. Consider this: Always have your key ready but not visible. Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked. Know where the Police Stations are in which ever vicinity you may find yourself in. These take a bit of proactive journey planning When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary. Drive in the center lane away from pedestrians where possible. If possible, never drive alone. NEVER, trust or pick up hitchhikers or strangers. Try and change routine routes on a regular basis. Going against the law If any person or vehicle arouses your suspicions, treat it as hostile and take appropriate action, e.g. when approaching a red traffic light, slow down, check for oncoming traffic and if clear, drive through the intersection. A fine will be preferable to an attack. Treat stop streets in the same way. Thereafter call for assistance if necessary. Remember, potential suspects and vehicles is not an excuse to ignore the rules of the road. The responsibility will be on you to prove in a court of law that you had justifiable reason to act the way you did and this is only in the case of a real, life-threatening emergency. So remember to always report these kinds of incidents to the SAPS. True life stories from our communities 1. I need to inform you that last night the owner of 54 Monument Rd was shot in an attempted hijack in his driveway. The incident took place at around 18:45 last night. He had stopped his car outside the gate to open it and was confronted by armed men. 2. Gavin O... (one of our engineers at Disc…) was involved in an attempted hi-jacking on Wednesday night in Rivonia, where a young perfectly nice-looking white guy convinced him into winding down his window at a robot, informed him that he wanted his car and then threw ACID IN HIS FACE!!! 3. On Tuesday night the residents of 56 Monument Rd were attacked in their home. They were held hostage for over 2 hours by 2 black men… Update from Alarman informative a few days later: “I have just spoken to Beverly, the victim. The lady and her father arrived home and her dad got out opening the gate. The gate had been tampered with so he couldn't get it open. Beverly then got out helping and this is when they were attacked. They were taken into the house where they were both beaten up. She was raped and tortured, very brutally. She was stabbed and pinched on the genitals with pliers. Their cell phones and car were stolen. The car has since been recovered by the W…. B…. Police”. Regards, Trevor May the essence of this report become part of your self protection, wherever you drive or find yourself? Outdoor protection could prevent situations like this. Electric fence properly erected, will give you early warning. Alarm System properly installed, will give you early warning Lights around the house they don’t like working in the light Community patrols participate in your local Sector Crime Forum by your local SAPS Alarman can assist you in all of the above installations Alarman’s prayer for you: May God sends his Angels to protect each and every innocent person that reeds this report.