Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
08PRETORIA2476 | 2008-11-07 15:31:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Pretoria |
R 071531Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY PRETORIA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6383 INFO AMCONSUL CAPE TOWN AMCONSUL JOHANNESBURG AMCONSUL DURBAN |
UNCLAS PRETORIA 002476 |
1. (U) Summary: On November 4, 2008 RSO attended a presentation hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) on the "Incidence of House Robberies in South Africa." Presented by a Senior Lecturer on Forensic Investigations at the University of South Africa (UNISA), the seminar focused on the alarming increase in house robberies (commonly referred to as home invasions) in South Africa. According to police statistics, the number of home invasions that typically involve violence or the threat of violence against residents has increased 25.4% since 2006. End Summary. 2. (U) On November 4, 2008 RSO attended a seminar hosted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) on the "Incidence of House Robberies in South Africa." The presenter, Dr. Rudolf Zinn, is a Senior Lecturer on Forensic Investigations at the UNISA who has written extensively on crime trends in South Africa. Dr. Zinn's most recent study focuses on the rapid increase in house robberies, otherwise known as home invasions, where criminals intent on maximizing profits specifically target homes where the residents are at home. According to police statistics, the number of home invasions since 2006 has increased 25.4%, while house burglaries (where no confrontation between residents and perpetrators occurs) have decreased steadily. 3. (U) To understand the causes behind the increase, Dr. Zinn conducted a qualitative study that involved interviews of thirty convicts currently serving time in prisons across South Africa. The results showed that the inmates unanimously preferred home invasions over traditional burglaries because they are more lucrative. By targeting homes between the hours of 7pm and midnight, criminals knew that the residents were awake and did not have their alarm systems on. Of greater concern, however, was the admission that the violence or the threat of violence could be used to force victims to reveal where valuables were hidden. In instances where people failed to comply with demands, they often tortured children or women to get what they wanted. Eighty-three percent said they would rather shoot or injure their victims than take any personal risk. The respondents also indicated a strong preference for cash, jewelry, and other valuables that could not be easily traced. -------------------------- Modus Operandi -------------------------- 4. (U) Affluent neighborhoods continue to be the top targets for home invasions. Houses with little or no security were chosen first although those with "a lot of security" were sometimes targeted because of the perception that the owners must have cash or very valuable items to protect. In most cases, the criminals conducted pre-operational surveillance to identify homeowner's habits or weaknesses in security. Mobile patrol schedules were also observed to establish patterns and identify optimal times to conduct home invasions. Inside information, especially when large sums of cash are at stake, was used to determine which houses to target. -------------------------- How does this impact us? -------------------------- 5. (U) The increase in home invasions is troubling given the criminal's propensity for violence. When asked what security features had the greatest deterrent effect against home invasions, Dr. Zinn's subjects said that homes with fences, dogs, security lights, and alarm systems connected to armed response companies made them less desirable targets. The single most effective countermeasure, however, was frequent and unpredictable security patrols because they made pre-operational activities difficult. Qpatrols because they made pre-operational activities difficult. -------------------------- What next? -------------------------- 6. (U) The Emergency Action Committee approved a policy in January 2007 that required post housing to transition from stand-alone residences to apartments, gated communities, and compounds. This remains a top priority. By August 2009, 74.9% of leased residences (113 homes) will be in compounds or gated communities. BOST |