Northern Cape police warn of festive-season spike in housebreakings, urge vigilance
Northern Cape police have urged residents to remain vigilant and secure their homes as housebreakings increase during the festive season.
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WITH the festive season in full swing and many Northern Cape households standing empty as families travel or juggle holiday commitments, police have warned that opportunistic criminals are quick to take advantage of the lull.
The Northern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) has raised concern over a seasonal spike in housebreakings across the province, a trend that repeats itself every December when homes are left unattended for days at a time. According to police, burglars closely monitor neighbourhoods during this period, watching for signs that residents are away and moving in when properties appear unprotected.
Police say simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Broadcasting holiday plans online, leaving valuables visible through windows, or failing to secure doors and windows all make homes easier targets. Residents are urged to treat festive travel with the same caution as locking up for the night, and to ensure that a neighbour or someone trustworthy keeps an eye on their property while they are away.
Security measures such as alarms, motion sensors and CCTV systems add an extra layer of protection, but police stress that community awareness remains just as important. Suspicious movements, unfamiliar vehicles, or unusual activity in quiet streets should be reported immediately, as early intervention often prevents crimes from being carried out.
In response to the seasonal increase in criminal activity, the Northern Cape SAPS has stepped up visibility patrols and crime prevention operations. These include stop-and-search actions and compliance inspections at licensed liquor outlets, forming part of a broader integrated approach aimed at keeping communities safe over the holiday period.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Litabe said collaboration remains key, with residents encouraged to work closely with Community Policing Forums, neighbourhood watch groups and private security companies to strengthen local crime prevention efforts.
Members of the public are reminded that all criminal activity or suspicious behaviour can be reported confidentially via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app, ensuring that police can respond swiftly and decisively during one of the busiest – and most vulnerable – times of the year.