Recently released SAPS crime statistics show an increase in crime, particularly residential armed robberies and hijackings.  It is easy to feel overwhelmed, but knowledge and proactive action are important factors when it comes to safeguarding yourself and loved ones. 

“Key is vigilance, an understanding of how and when such crimes are most likely to happen, and taking active measures to mitigate them,” says Mandy Barrett of insurance brokerage and risk advisors, Aon South Africa.  “Although it’s a truism that such vigilance needs to be part and parcel of our daily lives, it’s especially important with the upcoming festive season when we typically see an uptick in criminal activities.”

Aon’s insurance claim statistics seem to bear out the SAPS crime statistics, with more clients claiming for armed home invasions and hijackings than before.  SAPS crime stats show that armed robberies at residential premises increased by 5.2% to 20,281 reported incidents, equating to 56 households every day during 2014/2015.  Hijackings also increased, with 35 reported incidents every day for the same period (a 3.2% increase), while armed robberies at businesses increased by 14.2%.  

There is a great deal that can be done to mitigate your risk.  Aon provides the following tips and insights into how criminals operate and what can be done to reduce your risk:

• Don’t be complacent about your home’s security measures - even secure complexes and gated suburbs are not exempt from it. Remain mindful of possible access points such as gates, doors and windows and utilise the security measures that you have in and around your home, for instance your security gates, alarm and electric fence.
• If your electric fence or motion sensor persistently triggers the alarm in the absence of any valid reason, it could possibly be criminals trying to exasperate you enough to turn off your security measures.
• Be observant of your surroundings and cognisant of anything or anyone who looks out of place. If you have any doubts, call in your armed response company for assistance and don’t be afraid to ask them to check out any suspicious individuals or vehicles lurking about.
• Be aware of vehicles that remain in your rear view mirror. Many armed robbers follow their victim home from public places such as a shopping centre, bank or airport.  If you suspect you’re being followed, drive to the nearest police station or a busy public area, but don’t stop at home.
• You are most at risk when leaving and arriving home.  Turn down the volume on the radio well in advance, get off the phone and be alert.  If anything seems untoward when approaching your home, contact your security company as many offer escort services in and out of your property.
• Keep driveways clear of shrubs, plants and bins that could provide a hiding place for criminals.  Make sure the area is well lit so there is no place to hide in shadows or dark corners. Have your gate remote handy and stay on the road while the gate opens, and immediately close it after entering.
• If you arrive home and any of the doors and/or gates are open, or your gate motor suddenly won’t work, leave the premises and get help.
• Don’t leave ladders and tools lying around your home as these could be used by criminals to gain access. Look out for ‘markers’ lying around such as empty cans or other coloured markers that seem out of place that criminals may use to mark your property.
• Always do background checks on domestic staff and educate them to be vigilant and not to allow access to your property by anyone who has not been cleared by you first. Make sure they have panic button remotes to call for armed response should the need ever arise, and ensure they have the emergency telephone numbers at hand to call for help.
• Most suburbs and complexes have Whatsapp groups, radios and other community platforms in place.  It is a good idea to join these groups and to be aware of what is going on in your neighbourhood.
• If you are confronted by an armed criminal, follow their directions, stay calm, don’t look at them and don’t try to hide or conceal any items. Remember they are likely to be on edge and stressed, so don’t provide any reason for further provocation.

“Your insurance broker is an invaluable source of information of crime trends and the modus operandi in your area.  It may not be the most pleasant conversation, but your broker will certainly be able to enlighten you on what their assessors and insurers are seeing in your suburb - forewarned is forearmed,” Mandy says.

“Also remember to check the provisions of your insurance policy and ensure you comply with any conditions of cover – for example keeping jewellery over a certain value in a locked safe when not worn, arming your alarm when you leave your home, having burglar bars on all opening windows and doors and such,” says Mandy.

“It is a good exercise to update your inventory of contents in your home on a regular basis and to advise your insurer of any material changes that may affect your cover, such as the addition of solar equipment, skylights and the like.  A professional broker will ensure that you are in good hands and that there are no surprises waiting when you need to claim.  Call your broker, today,” concludes Mandy.