Homeowners warned of these criminal tactics in South Africa – and the items they’re after

• Burglary at residential premises fell by 7.5% to 128,498 cases in the 2025–2026 financial year.
• South African Police Service 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.
• Police are seeing a noticeable increase in gate motor theft, with multiple syndicates operating across northern Johannesburg suburbs.