Niël Terblanché
As many Namibians prepare for their festive season travels at the start of the weekend, the Namibian Police issued an advisory to prevent a spike in housebreaking incidents, which typically rise during the holiday season.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, stressed the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard homes while families celebrate Christmas and other festivities.
“We have noted with concern an increase in housebreaking cases, particularly in urban areas, as the festive season approaches,” she said.
On Tuesday, members of the Namibian Police apprehended five suspects who broke into a house in the Grysblok residential area of Windhoek after they attempted to flee the scene of the crime in a car.
The suspects were seen breaking into the house and the witness immediately reported the suspicious activity to law enforcement which rushed to the scene of the crime.
During the chase, one of the robbers was shot in the leg and the four other members of the gang were taken into custody. The wounded suspect was admitted to the hospital under police supervision for treatment.
Shikwambi urged homeowners to adopt specific precautionary steps to minimise the risk of burglaries during their absence.
Among the key recommendations, the police advise homeowners to inform their local police stations of their travel plans.
Neighbours and trusted relatives should also be notified to keep an eye on properties, ensuring a layer of community-driven surveillance.
“Double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked, and avoid leaving valuables visible through windows,” she added while stressing the importance of securing all entry points and obscuring temptations for potential criminals.
The advisory also extolled the value of technological security measures.
Shikwambi said that installing alarm systems or surveillance cameras can serve as strong deterrents to burglars.
She added that securing garage doors with strong locks and enlisting in community crime prevention forums like a neighbourhood watch or Youth Against Crime can significantly boost neighbourhood safety.
Shikwambi cautioned against publicising holiday plans on social media platforms.
“Avoid posting your holiday activities on social media. Such posts can unwittingly alert criminals to unoccupied homes. Instead, homeowners should discreetly arrange for someone to manage their properties, including tasks such as drawing curtains and emptying rubbish bins while they are away,” she said.
Upon returning home, the advisory encourages homeowners to immediately inspect their properties and report any signs of tampering or theft.
“Inform the police upon your return to ensure prompt assistance if needed,” she advised.
She added that the Namibian Police’s guidelines are part of the force’s broader effort to ensure the safety and security of citizens during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
“By following these tips, you ensure the protection of your property during the holiday season,” she said.
The quick actions of the witness to the burglary in Grysblok on Tuesday enabled the swift action of the police and the speedy arrest of the perpetrators.
Shikwambi reiterated the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station while also forming a culture of alertness and collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies.
