An impersonator forced his way into a residence in False Bay after claiming to be from the Military Police. He gained access to the residence by falsely alerting the resident to a 'suspicious" man in the vicinity of the neighborhood. After requesting a glass of water, the resident opened a security gate, and after a calm discussion was abruptly struck on the side of the head with a rock.
The resident was able to react and force the intruder off the premises and alert the police. |
The patient sustained deep lacerations to the left cheek and brow initially requiring sutures, after which an infection developed. The wound then was reopened until such time as the swelling subsided and the infection resolved. Fortunately no permanent damage to the eye was sustained and the patient has been discharged from Chirstiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital without disability.
Housebreaking: A perspective for all South Africans:
Most housebreaking through out South Africa occurs at night (27.5%), followed by afternoon hours (19.8%) and the morning hours (15.7%). Almost 20% of housebreakings or burglaries took place in the afternoon, the highest proportion occurring in Gauteng (26%), followed by Mpumalanga (24,6%) and Western Cape (21,8%).
More than four in ten (43,7%) households indicated that the burglar gained entry through a smashed door. The highest proportion was recorded in Gauteng (53,9%), Mpumalanga (48,7%) and Free State (47,7%). The second method most frequently used to gain access into the dwelling was through the window (34,7%). This was most likely to happen in Limpopo (45,3%), Eastern Cape (44%) and North West (42,1%).
- Victims of Crime Survey 2012. Statistics South Africa. Statistics of Relevance p0341
Identifying a possible impersonator and how to protect yourself
- Always ask for identification, preferably with a photo ID.
- If it seems unusual that a person wishes to enter your house, chances are they are they shouldn't be there!
- If you are unsure, ask them to hang on while you verify their credentials with their employer.
- Never give out any personal information
- Don't open the door for anyone you do not recognize.
- Look for a uniform or branded vehicle showing the organization's branding.
- If you are at any point fearful, phone 10111 immediately.
- Adapted form:http://www.yourenergyblog.com/
An Injury and Prevention Awareness Project brought to you by Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital Trauma & Emergency Centre.