The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has warned that criminal activity is set to increase in the country due to increased load shedding.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the SABC<\/a><\/strong>, the institute’s Dr Johan Burger said house and business robberies are already increasing, and there are fears that the same will happen with other criminal activities.<\/p>\n “Load shedding is just another opportunity which criminals are already exploiting, and they will continue to exploit. We will see a rise in crime such as burglary and other crimes such as house and business robbery. They will be able to follow load shedding schedules.”<\/p>\n Security experts have also warned citizens to expect increased crime in the coming months due to relaxed Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and a busy festive season.<\/p>\n A research assistant at the UCT Centre of Criminology, Annie Kok, said that the number of criminal incidents increased by more than 50% in Q3 and Q4 2020, following a similar easing in restrictions.<\/p>\n Kok said that the only way this can be combatted is through sophisticated intelligence, actionable strategies and coordination of all stakeholders.<\/p>\n Fidelity Services Group chief executive Whal Bartmann said that the company is preparing for increasing incidents, including additional backup forces and air support.<\/p>\n