How to Prevent Roof Break-Ins in Residential Areas
Criminals are once again targeting homes and businesses by entering through the roof. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=698626979187081&set=a.281813707535079. This tactic, though not new, is on the rise in our area. To help you prevent roof break-ins, CDF is sharing the latest insights and safety tips to protect your property and your loved ones.
Why Criminals Use the Roof to Break In
Criminals are targeting homes and businesses by removing tiles or cutting through roof sections. Once inside the ceiling, they locate and disconnect alarm wiring, rendering security systems useless before entering the living space.
This method of bypassing alarms through roof entry is silent, strategic, and can happen while you’re asleep or away for just a short time.
Marking Homes with Paper: A Break-In Warning Sign
We are also seeing a surge in homes being marked for break-ins using a simple trick: suspects place a piece of paper or a flyer in the garage door or gate. If the paper remains in place for more than 24 hours, it signals that no one is home — and the property becomes a target.
This paper-in-garage marking tactic is spreading across neighbourhoods, and we urge residents to be vigilant.
Top Safety Tips to Prevent Roof Break-Ins
Here are our top recommendations to secure your home against criminals entering through the roof:
1. Secure Your Roof Structure
Regularly inspect tiles, roof edges, and ceilings for signs of tampering or forced entry.
2. Add Internal Roof Sensors
Ask your security provider about roof-space motion detectors or tamper sensors in the ceiling cavity.
3. Install Vibration Sensors
These detect movement or disturbances in your ceiling or rooftop.
4. Upgrade Your Alarm Setup
Ensure that key points like the main panel and wiring are secure and hidden from roof access.
https://www.top-security.co.za/security-notices-5-tactics-of-rooftop-burglars-and-how-to-stop-them
5. Remove Flyers and Garage Paper Immediately
Never leave unrequested paper in your garage door or gate. It could be a marking tactic.
6. Monitor Suspicious Activity
Report parked vehicles watching the street, unknown visitors, or anything out of place.
Secure Your Roof Access Points
In response to this rise in roof-entry burglaries, CDF has intensified armed patrols in high-risk areas including Sonstraal, Aurora, Vergesig, and parts of Bellville.
Our officers are now briefed to:
- Check rooflines and tiles for tampering
- Scan garage doors for paper markings
- Engage with residents to offer advice and risk assessments
“We protect with presence and knowledge. The more informed our communities are, the safer we become together,” says our Operations Manager.
CDF’s Action Plan to Prevent Roof Break-Ins
We are not just another security company. We are your neighbours, your frontline defence, and your watchful eyes in the dark.
Let us help you assess your vulnerabilities — especially if your property has:
- Low or flat roofs
- Poor exterior lighting
- Unprotected roof cavities
- Exposed alarm control panels
Get in Touch or Report Suspicious Activity
🛡 Emergency Armed Response: 021 11 00 911
🌐 Free Security Risk Assessment: https://civildefenceforce.co.za
📱 Follow Local Crime Alerts: https://www.facebook.com/cdfcivildefenceforce
Report Suspicious Activity Immediately
This is your home — don’t let criminals find the cracks. At CDF, we are committed to evolving with the threat, and this is one we will not allow to grow unchecked.
Let’s shut the door on this tactic. Together.
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