Home invasion statistics in SA are rising. Your home should be a safe space where you feel the most comfortable and secure. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that there are criminals who are scheming and planning on breaking into the homes of hardworking citizens. These criminals have ill intentions of robbing, pillaging, and, unfortunately, sometimes harming the owners.

In South Africa, 983 000 housebreaking incidences were reported in the 2021/22 period. The second most common crime experienced is home robbery.

What is A Home Invasion?

Home invasion is an umbrella term for the unlawful and unexpected entrance onto a person’s private dwelling and property. It can include burglary, robbery, and other means of violation in ones home. Burglary is a crime against a place, while robbery is a crime against a person or threatened victim. 

Both of these often go unreported because the victims believe it would not serve any purpose, so the actual number is not reflected in official South African crime statistics, explains Security Pro.

Home invasions are terrifying and a gross violation of personal space, as the home’s occupants are usually present during the attack. 

Home Security SA explains that three types of criminals carry out home invasions:

Amateurs/chancers

Not all home invaders are seasoned criminals. Sometimes opportunists take chances, especially if they deem your property an easy target. This is why you must safeguard your home, which we will discuss later. Easy targets include unoccupied homes and homes with no security measures like fences or gates.  

Semi-professionals

 These invaders will likely case your home for some time and plan their attack. They usually scout a whole neighbourhood to see everyone’s schedule and ascertain what time the neighbourhood is most vulnerable. 

Professionals 

Seasoned home invaders strategise and focus on high-value items like money, jewellery, and cars. They are most likely armed and will resort to violence if provoked. 

Home Robberies in South Africa

There were an estimated 205 000 home robberies in the 2021/22 period, representing 0,9% of all households in South Africa.

The percentage of households that have reported the incidents to the police decreased from 59,9% in 2018/19 to 54,5% in 2019/20. It increased to 66% in 2021/22.

Approximately 147 000 homes experienced housebreaking in June 2022.

In South Africa, many homeowners have been violently victimised during housebreakings, Home Security SA continues. In many reports, families have been brutalised, with members being tortured, raped and killed during these invasions. 

According to The Star, in many hijacking-related events, criminals have broken into residential premises and tied up their victims – taking their vehicles with the keys and household goods. This means that these crimes overlap—a scary reality. 

How Do I Keep My Home Safe?

Here are some practical ways you can safeguard your home from invasions.

Don’t Trust Just Anyone In Your Home

Home invaders are likely familiar with you and your home and act on “inside information”. They tend to survey your home and your ‘coming and going’ from the property to find patterns.

Never allow anyone into your home unless you have arranged for them to be there. This is particularly important when it comes to maintenance people and census or government officials who do not have proper ID or have yet to book a slot with you through the proper channels. 

There are often reports of criminals posing as service people or census workers to let victims feel at ease, allowing them into their homes before an ambush.

Protect Your Boundaries

Perimeter fencing is the first line of defence you should install to make your home an uninviting place for intruders. A see-through high fence with razor wire on top is safer than a high solid wall.

Safety Precautions, As Advised By SAPS

• The South African Police Services advises the following for added home protection: 

• Install an alarm system, panic buttons, or any siren with motion detectors.

• Sign up for neighbourhood security with armed response patrols.

• Lock all doors, close all windows and always switch on your alarm when you leave home or before bed. 

• Install burglar bars on windows and ensure security gates are always locked, with the keys far out of reach.

• Strengthen outer doors with additional locks and peepholes with safety chains.

• Connect an intercom system between the house and main gate.

• If you can afford it, install a safe for valuables