By: Youlon Naidoo, Executive Head for Claims and Procurement from Miway Insurance

In a crime-weary society, much attention is given to violent home invasions that dominate headlines and public discourse. According to SAPS, over 12,000 common robberies and more than 36,000 commercial crimes were reported in just the last quarter of 2024. Even with a slight year-on-year decrease, the average South African doesn’t feel safer.

But behind the dramatic statistics of armed robberies lies a more silent, insidious threat: repeat burglaries. These are break-ins that happen again and again at the same home, and for those affected, the trauma can be just as deep and far more prolonged.

Unlike home invasions, which often occur when families are present, burglaries typically take place when no one is home. According to Youlon Naidoo, Executive Head for Claims and Procurement from Miway Insurance, this leads some to underestimate their impact. “For many victims, a burglary is not a one-off incident but the beginning of a drawn-out experience of violation, fear, and helplessness,” notes Naidoo.

These ‘territorialised’ burglaries are marked by specific patterns: intrusions lasting longer, thieves returning to steal newly replaced goods, leaving behind intimidating “marks” or symbols, and operating from within the same community.

“This all contributes to an overwhelming sense that the victim’s home is no longer theirs,” says Naidoo. “If your home has been targeted, it’s time to take your power back.”

But why would a burglar target the same house? Naidoo says burglars often return because:

• They saw something valuable they couldn’t take the first time.
• They now know how to bypass the home's defenses.
• They assume replaced items will be newer or of equal value.
• Their symbolic “claim” on the property hasn’t been challenged.

Naidoo says this cycle leads to deep emotional stress. “Victims report feelings of being watched, of their privacy being permanently breached, and never fully regaining a sense of safety, even after upgrades to security systems.”

What can you do after a break-in?

If your home has been burgled, immediate action is your best defense. The first 10 days are crucial to preventing another incident from taking place. Here’s what experts recommend:

1.     Reinforce entry points

Replace all broken doors, locks and windows immediately. Don’t delay. Even if insurance claims take time, consider temporary solutions like padlocks, security gates, or protective window bars.

2.     Change the locks

Even if there is no evidence that a key was taken, assume it might have been copied. Replace or rekey all external locks, especially on doors and garages.

3.     Install visible security measures

Burglars tend to avoid homes with obvious deterrents. Install motion-sensor lights, alarm signage, CCTV cameras (even dummy ones can be helpful), and visible fencing where possible.

4.     Make the home look occupied

Burglars are more likely to strike when they think no one’s home. Keep some lights on with timers, leave a radio playing, or ask a neighbour to park in your driveway while you’re away.

5.     Fix damage fast

A broken window or door sends a message that the home is vulnerable. Rapid repairs not only restore security but show that you’re alert and responsive, so less of a soft target.

6.     Engage the community

Report the break-in to the local community group or WhatsApp crime alert. Ask neighbours to keep an eye out and return the favour. Community awareness can deter repeat attacks.

7.     Check on your insurance cover

Let your insurer know about any security upgrades you make as these could impact on your cover. Be sure that your behaviour matches your policy – if you have a locked security gate or a security beam on your garage, ensure these are active to maintain cover and safety.

Take back your space

The emotional toll of a burglary doesn’t end when the criminal leaves. For some, the sense of violation lingers for years, especially if the break-in is repeated. But Naidoo says homeowners aren’t powerless.

“Quick, visible, and community-oriented responses not only reduce the risk of repeat burglaries but help victims regain control over their space. In a country like ours, safety often feels out of reach. Let’s hope these steps can help make a real, immediate difference. You can never be too careful,” concludes Naidoo.