Homeowners warned of these criminal tactics in South Africa – and the items they’re after
Security experts have warned homeowners that warm weather also brings an increase in criminals active at night and in the early mornings, with some notable tactics to watch for this spring.
South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics show that residential crime has declined, but security experts warn that criminals continue to use simple tactics to test properties and create opportunities for break-ins.
In the 2025–2026 financial year, burglary at residential premises fell by 7.5% to 128,498 cases, from 138,874 the previous year. Residential robbery declined by 11.5% to 20,447 cases, from 23,105.
Despite the declines, more than 148,000 residential burglary and robbery cases were still recorded nationally.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of residential burglaries, with 25,979 cases, and the highest number of residential robberies, at 6,886.
The Northern Cape was the only province to record an increase in residential burglaries, rising by 3.6%.
Security experts have said that homeowners should pay attention to what happens outside their properties, especially during the warmer months, when criminal activity can increase at night and in the early morning.
One tactic making the rounds involves criminals deliberately tripping circuit breakers in accessible municipal or outdoor distribution boards.
They also disrupt circuit lines, damage electric-fence insulators, or bypass energisers to test whether an alarm or armed response service reacts. If there is no response, criminals may see the property as an easier target.
Another tactic involves wall lights, floodlights, and solar-powered outdoor fixtures that can be smashed, unscrewed or disconnected, creating dark areas around doors, windows, and gates.
Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste said break-ins, theft, and vandalism continue to affect homes and businesses, with exterior lighting increasingly targeted because it can be quickly removed.
Apart from creating blind spots, security lights can also be stolen for their fittings, solar components, and accessible copper or aluminium wiring, which can be sold for cash or scrap.
Conduct a spring security check
Gate motors are another increasingly common target, with criminals targeting properties where the equipment is visible from the street and easy to access.
Andre Aiton, managing director of Beagle Watch, described gate motor theft as “absolutely out of control” and said multiple syndicates were operating across northern Johannesburg suburbs.
“These thefts mainly occur in the early hours of the morning with suspects operating in various vehicles,” said Aiton.
He said criminals often target properties where gate motors can be reached quickly. “A single crowbar under the base plate and the entire motor can be removed in seconds.”
Sergeant Takalani Sibiya of Linden Police Station said police were seeing a noticeable increase in gate motor thefts each week.
She identified Malanshof, Fontainebleau, Blairgowrie, Linden, Windsor East and Windsor West among areas experiencing higher numbers of incidents.
She said criminals may scout properties during the day before returning later to steal the motors, sometimes using high-performance vehicles as getaway cars.
With spring now here, security companies are urging homeowners to include their security systems in their seasonal maintenance routines.
Fidelity Services Group Group Head of Marketing and Communications, Charnel Hattingh, added that changing weather, vegetation, and the physical environment could affect security systems.
“As a homeowner, it is important to keep track of how changing weather conditions can affect different parts of your home, including your security system,” said Hattingh.
She recommended testing alarms, checking cameras, and motion sensors, trimming vegetation that blocks visibility, inspecting electric fences, and looking for weather-related damage to gates, beams and access-control equipment.
“Security needs to evolve with the changing seasons and the environment around your home,” Hattingh said.
“Taking the time to check your security system now can help identify potential vulnerabilities before they become a problem.”
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