Criminals are targeting homes on a specific day in South Africa
Criminals are increasingly targeting homeowners on open house or show days in South Africa to rob them of their valuables.
This is the warning from Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.
She noted that open houses, often seen as one of the most effective ways to attract potential buyers, are also being used by criminals to scout and target homes in South Africa.
Hattingh warned that these days now come with serious security risks. She added that both sellers and buyers need to treat these days with caution.
“It’s important to keep in mind that hosting an open house or ‘show day’ unfortunately means you could unknowingly be opening your doors to potential burglars,” said Hattingh.
Criminals posing as interested buyers often use these opportunities to assess properties, identify valuables, and look for weaknesses in security systems.
Hattingh explained that proper preparation and vigilance can make a difference. “Safety in numbers is key, and a good starting point is to have someone on duty to manage events during show day,” she said.
“This ensures no visitors or prospective buyers wander through the home unmonitored and provides immediate assistance should any issues arise. Estate agents must be security conscious and consider installing security systems prior to show day.”
Precautions can help prevent opportunistic theft during the event itself. Homeowners should inform their private security provider that a show day is happening and request occasional patrols.
Spare keys should be hidden away, valuables locked up, and items such as laptops or tools stored out of sight.
Hattingh also advises that the estate agent be given access to panic buttons and emergency contacts in case of trouble. “Criminals know drawers and cabinets can be rifled through in seconds, so it’s best to remove temptation altogether,” she said.
On the day, simple habits go a long way. Curtains and blinds should be open and lights switched on to discourage suspicious behaviour.
“Position yourself to observe arriving visitors’ vehicles and take note of registration numbers, makes and models. Always walk with visitors through the home so no one wanders off unsupervised,” Hattingh stressed.
The most common crime affecting South Africans
It is not just sellers who should be vigilant. Buyers also need to think about security as part of the decision to make an offer.
“You have every right to inquire about local crime rates, types of incidents, and the presence of security providers in the area. While estate agents can provide this information, speaking directly with residents offers valuable insight,” said Hattingh.
She recommended consulting neighbours, residents’ associations, domestic workers, and security personnel at access points.
Security measures within the community and on the property itself should also be carefully inspected.
“Ask if there are monthly contributions toward neighbourhood security schemes, and take note of features like booms, patrol officers, and access controls,” she said.
“If the property is in a complex, observe how easily pedestrians can gain access and what procedures are in place.”
On the property level, burglar bars, security gates, fences, alarms, and beams should all be checked. Hattingh advised prospective buyers to calculate the cost of upgrading or replacing any weak points.
“Perimeter security, walls, fences, access gates, and intercoms, forms the first line of defense and should be in good condition. It’s a good idea to engage a security professional to assess the property and identify vulnerabilities.”
Her advice comes against the backdrop of worrying crime trends. According to the latest Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey, housebreaking was the most common crime affecting households.
In 2024/25, around 1.5 million incidents reported, impacting nearly 6% of households. Theft of personal property was also widespread, with about 1.2 million victims, but nearly 70% chose not to report the incidents.
“Crime remains one of the defining challenges of life in South Africa, cutting across geography, gender and economic status,” Statistics South Africa noted.
It warned that whether in cities or rural towns, households continue to face the constant threat of break-ins, robberies, and theft that disrupt daily life.
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