South African homeowners are being warned to brace themselves as repeat break-ins are on the rise, with criminals increasingly targeting homes they have already burgled. Experts say burglars are returning for replaced valuables or items they couldn't steal the first time around, exploiting familiar weaknesses in security systems.
Youlon Naidoo, the executive head for Claims and Procurement from Miway Insurance, highlighted this worrying trend, noting that burglars are increasingly returning to homes they have already broken into, knowing that valuables such as electronics have likely been replaced and that they already understand the property’s weaknesses.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), more than 36,000 burglaries at residential premises and over 12,000 common robberies were reported in just the first quarter of 2025. While these figures have declined marginally year over year, residents’ sense of safety remains low, with the stats indicating there are roughly 400 burglaries a day.
“This all contributes to an overwhelming sense that the victim’s home is no longer theirs,” said Naidoo. “If your home has been targeted, it’s time to take your power back.”
Naidoo outlined several reasons why burglars return:
- They may have seen something they couldn’t carry during the first break-in.
- They now know exactly how to bypass the home’s defences.
- They assume that replaced goods will be of similar or even higher value.
- They may simply believe their initial intrusion went unchallenged, giving them confidence to return.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT, added that criminals are increasingly focused on portable electronic devices such as laptops, phones, iPads, and tablets.
“Criminals are becoming more brazen and using different tactics to lure residents out of their homes,” she said. “We urge residents to remain vigilant. When you leave your house to go for dinner or to watch sport, make sure that you arm your alarm.”
Hattingh also warns that most of these crimes are opportunistic and time-sensitive. “If your perimeter is not secure, criminals are taking advantage. The suspects are quick, getting in and out within minutes. If they can’t get into your house or business, they take what they can from your property or from your parked cars.”
In February this year, it was also revealed that Criminals in South Africa are increasingly targeting two specific items from homes—gate motors and outdoor security beams.
According to Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity ADT, these thefts are becoming more frequent across South Africa. However, she said that Pretoria is of notable concern, where areas like Waterkloof Glen, Rooihuiskraal, Doornkloof, Centurion, The Moot, and surrounding neighbourhoods have seen spikes in incidents.
She added that criminals are targeting outdoor security beams to disable security systems, making future break-ins easier, while selling the stolen equipment for quick cash.
Gate motors are also very popular targets, which can be resold or repurposed. In many cases, the thieves are opportunistic, constantly moving between neighbourhoods to avoid detection.
Hattingh said that one reason outdoor beams are attractive to criminals is that many homeowners don’t activate them while they are at home, leaving them vulnerable.
Additionally, poorly maintained perimeter security, such as overgrown trees and bushes, can provide cover for criminals as they work to disable security measures.
Incidents are being reported across the country, indicating a broader trend that should have all homeowners on high alert. “We want to alert all residents and ensure that security measures are ramped up.” She advises residents to check and strengthen their perimeter and house security. This includes trimming any overgrown vegetation, locking gate motors, and regularly testing alarms and panic buttons.
The emotional impact of a repeat burglary can be long-lasting. According to Naidoo, victims often report persistent anxiety, a feeling of being watched, and the unsettling sense that their personal space has been permanently invaded. “Even after significant investments in improved security systems, people struggle to feel truly safe in their own homes again,” he said.
If your home has already been burgled, taking immediate steps is essential to preventing another incident. Naidoo stressed that the first 10 days are crucial. Reinforcing all entry points by replacing broken doors, windows, and locks is the first step. Even if insurance processes take time, temporary measures like padlocks or security gates can make a big difference.
Homeowners are also urged to change all external locks, even if there is no clear evidence a key was taken, and to install visible deterrents like alarm signage, CCTV cameras, and motion-sensor lights. Making the home appear occupied, by leaving lights on timers, playing music, or asking a neighbour to park in your driveway, can also deter opportunistic criminals.
“Fixing any visible damage quickly is important,” said Naidoo. “A broken window sends a message that the house is vulnerable. Fast repairs show you’re alert, reducing the chances of becoming a repeat target.”
Reporting the break-in to local neighbourhood watch groups or WhatsApp crime alert forums helps raise awareness and encourages communal vigilance. “Neighbours watching out for each other can deter repeat attacks,” Naidoo said. Community engagement is another vital line of defence.
It’s also important to inform your insurer of any new security measures. Insurance policies may require that alarms, beams, or gates be used for claims to remain valid.
This surge in targeted thefts comes against the backdrop of high burglary and robbery rates in South Africa. According to the latest police data, 35,745 home burglaries were recorded in the last three months of 2024 alone, averaging 397 break-ins per day. House robberies are less common but still significant, with 6,259 cases reported during the same period, or roughly 70 per day.
Burglaries occur when criminals break into homes while the occupants are away, whereas house robberies involve face-to-face confrontations that often include threats. These crimes remain a significant concern, as burglary is still the largest crime subcategory in South Africa after drug-related offences and assaults.
However, the real extent of the problem may be even worse than the official statistics suggest. South Africa’s crime data relies on incidents reported to the police or those discovered by law enforcement. This means the numbers only reflect crimes that go through the official channels, leaving many unreported incidents unaccounted for.
The Victims of Crime (VoC) Survey, which explores crime from the victim’s perspective, suggests that underreporting is a significant issue. According to the VoC Survey, an estimated 1.5 million housebreak-ins occurred throughout 2023/24, affecting approximately 1.1 million households across South Africa.
Given these alarming trends, South Africans are urged to take proactive steps to protect their homes and families. By reinforcing security measures, remaining vigilant, and engaging with their communities, homeowners can reduce their risk of becoming a target and reclaim their sense of safety and security.
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