Homeowners warned of new criminal tactic gaining momentum in South Africa
Homeowners in South Africa are being warned about a growing trend of criminals posing as waste pickers to identify potential targets, while security experts have also cautioned that open houses remain attractive opportunities for thieves.
The warning comes as home-related crime remains high across the country. According to SAPS data, the country recorded 32,387 home burglary cases between January and March 2026.
This works out to roughly 360 incidents a day. Additionally, the SAPS recorded 4,507 house robberies over the same period—or 50 every day.
Across South Africa, thousands of waste pickers earn a living by collecting recyclable materials from residential and commercial areas, sorting them, and selling them.
However, security experts say criminals are increasingly exploiting this familiar sight to scout homes without attracting suspicion.
Roelie Hendriks, chairperson of the Garsfontein Community Policing Forum (CPF) and operations manager at Alpha Security Forum, said it can be difficult to distinguish genuine waste pickers from criminals pretending to be collecting recyclables.
He explained that there are often tell-tale signs. “The bags seldom fill up because their focus is not on collecting recyclables,” Hendriks said.
“Instead, they spend more time looking around, observing residents’ movements and identifying potential opportunities for theft.”
According to Hendriks, legitimate waste pickers generally work with a clear purpose and move efficiently from one property to the next.
“Their bags fill up as they collect recyclables, and they often sort through bins quickly before moving on to the next location. They are generally focused on gathering material before other waste pickers arrive,” he said.
Security company Fidelity ADT has also warned that criminals continue to exploit open houses, or “Show Days”, where homes are opened to prospective buyers.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services, said both homeowners and estate agents should prioritise security during property viewings.
“It is essential for both buyers and sellers to prioritise safety and security on these important Show Days,” she said.
Items being targeted
Hattingh said one of the simplest and most effective precautions is ensuring that more than one person is present during a viewing.
“There is safety in numbers,” she said, adding that having another person on site helps ensure visitors are not left to wander through the property unmonitored.
“It gives you the peace of mind of knowing that no visitors or prospective buyers are wandering through the home unmonitored, and that there is someone available to assist if something goes wrong.”
She encouraged homeowners to notify their private security company before Show Day and, if possible, request additional patrols. Estate agents should also have access to panic buttons and emergency contact details.
Other recommended precautions include locking away valuables that can easily fit into handbags or pockets, removing unnecessary high-value equipment from view, and avoiding leaving spare keys in accessible places.
Hattingh also recommended opening curtains and blinds or switching on lights to improve visibility throughout the home. In some cases, Hattingh said homeowners should consider hiring a security guard for the duration of the viewing.
Private security companies have also noted a shift in the types of assets criminals are targeting during the winter months.
The managing director of Guardian Eye warned that the winter months have seen growing theft of solar panels, battery storage systems and gas cylinders as households increasingly invest in backup energy solutions.
He said criminals are now entering private properties specifically to steal these high-value installations, rather than targeting only gate motor batteries as they did in the past.
The security company warned that many homeowners make the mistake of treating solar and gas installations separately from their home’s overall security. These systems should be regarded as valuable assets that require dedicated protection.
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