Warning from Eye on Crime reader
Eye on Crime received the following post from a reader this weekend.
I thought I would place it on the front page because it is a bit of a wake-up call. Just make sure you trust anyone who has access to your home. This could be an isolated incident, but given the stats lately, I think this happens more often then we would like to think.
Post submitted on 2 August 2008
House Robberies - a letter from a friend...
I would like to share a something with all of you..so that you are more
aware of your domestic workers.
Last Friday, (25.07.08) my maid forgot her cell phone at my house. I
decided to have a look at the phone...
I found that she has video clips of all the houses that she works at
incl. mine. She filmed everything. From room to room, making specific notice to
appliances, the TV's, dvd's, sound systems etc.
I was very shocked and surprised to see this. I then went thru the rest of her phone...and found sms confirmations of huge sums of monies being deposited into her account twice in this month.(more than double my salary). What is a domestic worker doing with that amount of money? Cos' the money I pay her is peanuts compared to that.
Our first thoughts were that she probably gets paid for assisting burglars. It is purely murphy's law that she forgot her phone, because my place was filmed on Friday the 25 of July, while I was at work.
So, I don't know what she has been planning and for when, but I am so glad that we found this now.
She also took pictures of our pictures that we have on the fridge and in frames on the walls etc. as well as the intercom behind the door. This I find very strange and suspicious.
She phoned me frantically later that night to tell me to switch her phone off. I have not asked her anything yet.
I have infact sent the video clips to my phone for proof if we may need it. But I have since changed the locks on my doors and I have asked her to come to my place on Saturday instead of during the week. We plan on confronting her first and then dismissing her.
*Another thing I would like to mention is that normally when I talk to her, she has this thing that she can not talk english very well...but on the video clip her english is very good and even her tone of voice is different.
So be careful guys..and take care.
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Anonymous:
As employees of domestic workers- why cant we have a look to see if they have criminal records?
Anonymous:
They would run to their union PDQ if you did.Especially if they are chars. If they are permanent workers they would take you to the CCMA
Anonymous:
Hectic
How scary this must have been?????
I would still be scared and worried that she had already shown her criminal friends the pictures. It just shows you...never trust anyone!
Anonymous:
Hi there Thanks for the warning...
Anonymous:
Very clever. Now the robbers have a full house plan to work with. They know exactly where all the weaknesses are. Disturbing to say the least.
Anonymous:
Laser beams? Where can we buy them?
PrivateEye:
Outdoor beams are like cars - you get anything from a a mini to a Rolls Royce. I prefer to regard them as "early warning perimeter beams". Some brands work better than others. Suggest you seriously consider OPTEX beams supplied by an approved installer via Elvey International in JHBurg. Prior to selling my security business, we found OPTEX to be top of the range of high tech Japanese equipment along with a 5 year guarantee. Oh and by the way, NONE of the many clients who had these beams ever had a security problem during the 11 years we provided security.
I am no longer involved and have nothing to gain from these recommendations.
Anonymous:
Thanks Private Eye,
I personally wouldn't have a clue as where to find these things. So thanks for the suggestions.
Laser beams (perimeter beams) are an interesting concept - one that I would like to explore more. Unfortunately, as per your blog, it seems that they are pretty expensive, therefore not available to most South Africans. But, who knows what alternatives we now have out there?
Kind Regards
The Eye on Crime Team
PrivateEye:
Dear Crime Team,
Firstly, thanks for your response. With today's incidence of violent crime, it is imperitive for everybody to adopt the priciple of prevention rather than cure.
Technology has improved lately and offers affordable alternatives in beam options. The needs of a larger system such as for a farm or smallholding are different from those for a townhouse, for example, and are usually cost related to the affordability of the owner, according to the nature of their property or residence.
Having converted a former violent and crime ridden area into one which fast became safe, I strongly recommend the incorporation of outdoor early warning beams and indoor self triggering devices in security systems.
I sold my business after achieving legendary results and no longer have any interest in providing security systems. I am only interested in preventing tragedy and grief. The advice on offer is sincere and extremely effective.
If your crime team would like me to interact further, kindly contact me. The nececcesary credentials will be provided. Over a 11 year period, only 0,03% of our entire client base ever experienced security problems. This was achieved through sound operational planning and smart electronic surveillance installations. I remain convinced that the public should not be victimized as they now are.
Kind regards
Private Eye.
Administrator:
Dear Private Eye,
Firstly, we have been contacted by the Mercury Newspaper who want to contact the writer of this blog regarding her domestic worker and the cell phone pics. Do you know who this person is?
One of the Mercury's journalists, Cheryl, writes a "Crime Stop" column which appears in the Mercury every Wednesday.
She is interested in the report and wants to see if they are willing to talk to her. She says she is more than happy if the person does not want to reveal their name.
You can email: bronagh@da.org.za
Secondly, I would love it if you could give us a weekly safety tip that we can post on the blog. It doesn't have to be every week, but every now and again, it would be great if we could inform the public about various ways to protect our homes and loved ones.
Let me know what you think?
Kind Regards
The Eye on Crime Team
Anonymous:
Freaky- and the worst thing is that some ofn us wouldnt check our domestic workers cell phone as it invades her privacy...so we would never know
Anonymous:
The part that creeped me out the most was her taking footage of the family photos!!!!!!!!!!! This is so calculating REPORT THIS TO THE POLICE! It could be reported as suspicious activity.
Anonymous:
Everyone I know who has had builders either in their house or at their neighbours has had their house robbed. It is par for the course.
Anonymous:
I don't think there is much that we can do regarding this. Most of us employ our domestic workers and gardeners, or even opther employees privately and not through an agency.
If it were through an agency, then perhaps a credit check and criminal record would be processed. However, I know that none of my friends or family has ever done any of these kind of checks on our workers.
I think there are many domestic workers out there that would never dream of doing this. It is terrible that these few that are doing it, is making us all start to think of our own. I know I can trust mine, we share a great friendship. And if she was in trouble financially she would come to me first, and will never break the law. Others may not be so lucky.
Anonymous:
It is not suprising if you think about it. Some people treat and pay their doemstic workers terribvle rates and they resort to this because they need motre money to survive- there are many domestic workers that have children and are siungle mothers, so they do this to support their family. However, there is no excuse. And I am also not saying that this particular family treated their domestic worker badly. Some people dont have any morals and are doing it for their own greed. In this case - this woman sounds like a real con-artist.
Anonymous:
This freaked me out. Yes, why would she take photos of larm systems and VCR's etc. This reeks of a crime waiting to happen. I hope that they do call the police as this is serious and if she is not reigned in now, she could accomplice other crimes, and someone may get killed.
Administrator:
Dear Reader
Thanks for this post. I found it quite shocking. You should really contact the police on this. Your domestic worker could expose the other members of the syndicate, and they could perhaps get some of these guys for other house break-ins.
Considering the fact that 8 out of 10 house robberies are committed or aided by the people we know - is quite scary!
I am glad nothing happened to your home and your family. Thanks for the warning and I sincerely hope everyone reads it.
Kind Regards
The Eye on Crime Team.
PrivateEye:
Dear Administrator
Thank you for your postings. The originator of the warning letter has been contacted and encouraged to inform the Police.
A private investigation into a house robbery about a year ago strongly indicated that the maid had actually let house robbers into the residence prior to the robbery to familiarise themselves with the layout and location of the safe. A 'preview' like this only takes a few minutes and was organized to coincide with a convenient viewing time, because the owners 'routine' was known.
More often than not, the full time domestic worker is threatened and intimidated into co-operating with the robbers whereas domestic workers who work part time for a variety of homeowners are much more likely to be part of a syndicate, if they are involved at all.
Builders are often involved, because they work on the roof or upper floor levels from where they have a perfect observation post of the neighbours comings and goings. Once the resident's routine has been established, the intended victim becomes a soft target for gangs who are informed by the builders on how to plan the attack.
One cannot always prevent a robbery but there is very definitely alot that homeowners can do to reduce the amount of time that robbers have at their disposal to commit acts of violence, especially rape.
The istallation of an automated self-triggering alarm device such as a pull-switch connected to a VCR or a self triggering money clip will activate an alarm even if the system is unarmed at the time of attack. Such devices should be connected to activate silently if it is connected to a reliable armed response company. Their access to the property can also be automated via a keypad at the gate with the code on records at the control room.
The technology is there to help - folk must just use it!
Kind regards
PrivateEye
Anonymous:
It may well be that this modus operandi exists, and in fact has been reported in a crime before, but is this particular example real? Private Eye first submitted it as a first-person experience, and now suddenly claims that the originator has been contacted. Sounds like friend-of-a-friend example to me. Equally telling is that this person did not call in the police immediately. There is more than enough basis for reasonable suspicion. It's all very well to warn people about potential dangers, but once we start fabricating or exaggerating, we trivialise the fight against real crime. Have a look at http://thoselegend.blogspot.com for the way urban legends are turned into crime warnings
Anonymous:
Dear 'Anonymous'
If you look at my posting dated 2nd August, it clearly indicates that the report was received via a friend. and was not submitted as a first person experience. Be that as it may, legend or not, it is as well to bear in mind that alot more information passes out from homes prior to a robbery than we think. While urban legends go on all the time - it is also as well to consider 'what if' scenarios. For example - 'What if' it didnt happen? Is there something to be learned here considering how frequently cameras are used with criminal intent?
It is better to rather err on the wrong side of caution and be observant.
Anonymous:
I have never heard of a self-triggering alarmn system. I am guessing that if you put it with your tv or dvd, as soon as it is unplugged, the alarm will go off? Also, if this is the case, surely the domestic worker would know it is there if she is experienced enough in theft when she is checking out these things. She gets the opportunity to look at these things closely when in the home?
Sharon
Rivonia
PrivateEye:
There are various self-triggering devices available that can be fitted to any alarm system. Typical devices are the pull switch, money clip, stand-on-mat etc. These devices are connected to the panic circuit which are permanently alive on all alarm systems. Some security companies omit to recommend these devices because they offer free alarm systems with armed response contracts and want to minimize their costs.
It is correct that the domestic worker could find out about such devices - if you choose to tell them. But these items are not generally known about and with a little care when installing them, the connecting cables can be concealed.
For the occupier who is serious about security, the outdoor perimeter beam is an excellent early warning device against violent crime. This is because all violent crime is initiated with surprise. Outdoor beams are expensive - but very effective. Buy good quality equipment - they're an investment, not a luxury.
Anonymous:
My suggestion to many South Africans now is to simply keep your house tidy yourselves. That eliminates any potential threat posed by a domestic worker and more money in your pocket during these lean times. It really is not the chore that you think it is, we are just spoilt. A few years abroad has taught me that and for most countries, labour is not cheap so having a domestic is not even a consideration. Simply picking up after yourselves and every member of the family have a few chores a week keeps things in order. Did I mention the money saved? Give it a try.
Anonymous:
Now imagine if all south africans cleaned their own homes, do you know how many women out there would be without income?
That is a terrible idea!
And that is supposed to help crime? It will just make it worse!
Kirsty.
Somerset-west
Anonymous:
ITS A CATCH 22 THOUGH , YOU ARE AT THE END OF THE DAY TRYING TO PREVENT CRIME , YET THE MORE WE TRY , THE MORE CRIME WE CAUSE .SO ,EITHER WAY WE COME SHORT ISNT IT , IM A SINGLE GUY LIVING BY MYSELF AND NEVER WOULD I EVER HIRE A DOMESTIC WORKER , ID RATHER STRUGGLE WITH THE CLEANING MYSELF THAN HAVE SOMEONE IN MY OWN HOME WHO I PERSONALLY DONT THINK IS CAPABLE OF CLEANING THE WAY I DO ANYWAY . IM REPLYING TO THE DIY HEADING ABOVE ME SAYING THAT YOU CANT PROTECT DOMESTIC WORKERS FROM DOING CRIME WHILE AT THE SAME TIME THEY HAVING YOUR HOME CLEANED OUT.WE TOO WORRIED ABOUT CRIME AROUND US ,COMPLAINING ABOUT HOW POLITICAL MEMBERS SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT , YET AT THE SAME TIME AGAIN WE INVITE THOSE VERY CRIMINALS IN OUR OWN HOMES TO CLEAN UP , NO PUN INTENDED. FOR THOSE WITH KIDS AND A BUSY CAREER IT IS HARD WITHOUT A DOMESTIC WORKER YES BUT AT THE SAME TIME ONCE AGAIN ITS HARDER TO RECOVER FROM LOOSING A FAMILY MEMEBR WHO WAS SHOT DEAD AFTER COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL ONEDAY ONLY TO REALIZE THAT THEIR DOMESTIC IS ARRANGING HER\HIS DEATH AS A WITNESS. SO WAY IT OUT , DO WE PROTECT OUR COUNTRY FROM CRIME OR OURSELVES , IT JUST DEPENDS ON HOW LAZY WE REALLY ARE ABOUT IT!
Anonymous:
I agree with you 100%..i will be damned before i let any strangers around my House let alone my Children..Yes it is hard doing it alone but all the more Harder..like you said coming home to losing someone you love or being cleaned out.
Criminals in this country have way too many rights.Rights should be lost as soon you have committed a crime i don't care what..you lose all rights..we preach about "Their Constitutional Rights"...I'm sorry are we forgetting the Victims of Crime here??
You know other Conutries bare no Mercy to Criminals..We say the Death penalty is Brutal..i will kill whoever harms my daughters..and then i will be charged with Murder while this arse-hole walks free with just R500 bail.
Bring back the death Penalty and see how the Crime in this Coutry plummets!!!
Pissed off!!