KSS Incidents 19 - 31 March 2025

Dear KSS Clients

Happy 36th Birthday to KSS
Another year of stability and another year of caring for our community. Happy 36th Birthday KSS. To Gary, Renee, Sashen and the entire KSS team who keep us safe – thank you.

There is a lot to be said about stability and longevity, and along with that, innovation. KSS is never resting and will continue to lead the way in ensuring that we deliver the best, fastest, most competent and caring service to our clients and the community.

Apprehended Suspects
There were THREE suspects apprehended over the past 10 days. Please report crimes, no matter how small to SAPS. Please also press charges if suspects are apprehended. Help us help you. If you don’t press charges then criminals run free to commit another crime.

Security tips to help you enhance you safety and protect your properties:

Home and Business Security Tips
1. Keep Doors and Windows Locked – Always lock doors, windows, and gates when you go out. Be aware when you are at home or in the office.
2. Install Security Lighting – Motion-sensor lights deter criminals from approaching your property unnoticed.
3. Test Your Alarm System Regularly – Ensure your alarm is in working order and linked to KSS’s control room. Call 033 3305911 to inform a controller that you are testing.
4. Keep Valuables Out of Sight – Avoid leaving valuable items visible from the outside, especially in vehicles, in your yard, on verandah’s or through windows.
5. Secure Your Perimeter – Reinforce fences, gates, and burglar bars to prevent easy access.
6. Be Cautious with Unknown Visitors – Always verify the identity of service workers, delivery personnel, or unexpected visitors before granting them entry.
7. Use CCTV Cameras – If possible, install CCTV cameras and ensure they are functional and monitored regularly. You can link them to the KSS control room.
8. Emergency Contact Numbers – Keep KSS emergency numbers handy for quick access in case of an incident. Call 033 3305911 for all emergencies 24/7/365.

Personal Safety Tips
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Stay alert, especially when arriving home, parking in dark areas, or using ATMs.
2. Vary Your Routine – Criminals often study routines; change your routes and times when possible.
3. Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off, take precautionary action, such as contacting KSS for assistance.
4. Avoid Distractions While Walking – Keep your phone in your pocket and be mindful of people around you. Walk with confidence, shoulders back, head up and take notice of people. Also be aware when out running.
5. Don’t Share Security Information – Avoid discussing security measures, alarm codes, or travel plans with strangers or on social media.

Vehicle and Travel Safety Tips
1. Never Leave Valuables in Your Car – Items like laptops, bags, and wallets left in plain sight attract thieves and opportunities.
2. Check Your Surroundings Before Parking – Choose well-lit and secure areas to park and be mindful of suspicious activity.
3. Keep Car Doors Locked While Driving – Avoid becoming a target for smash-and-grab thefts at intersections.
4. Report Suspicious Vehicles – If you notice a vehicle following you or behaving oddly, drive to the nearest police station, a safe place or contact KSS for assistance.

Community Safety Tips
1. Get to Know Your Neighbours – A strong community is an effective deterrent against crime.
2. Join a Neighbourhood Watch – Stay informed about security concerns in your area and report anything suspicious. Be discerning and respectful.
3. Report Incidents Promptly – Report all crimes to SAPS and even minor incidents should be reported to KSS so they can monitor crime trends and respond effectively.
4. Use a trusted, reliable and stable security service provider. KSS has been in the KZN Midlands for over 36 years now.

By following these suggested security tips, you can reduce risks and contribute to a safer community for everyone. KSS is always here to assist - stay safe and stay vigilant!

Hot Items
• Personal items stolen from vehicles
• Shoplifting
• Intruders
• Gas bottle
• Power tools
• Bicycle
• Electronic items
• Cell phones
• Cables
• Brush cutter
• Welding machine
• Copper pipes
• Stainless steel braai
• Air-conditioner

Incident Summary (crime and other)
Hilton – 2
Howick – 10
Howick West – 1
Merrivale (all areas) – 5
Tweedie – 1
Lions River – 1

KSS Incidents 19 – 31 March 2025
19 March 2025 17:21 Zeederberg Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room was advised that a white Isuzu bakkie had filled up with fuel and driven off without paying. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened. The vehicle details were loaded onto the UCSI SNIPR system.

19 March 2025 18:16 Saligna Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room received an alarm activation. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. On arrival, the KSS Officer reported that he saw a suspect on-site who fled over the back wall towards the railway. The client was advised.

19 March 2025 21:50 Campbell Road (Howick) The KSS Control Room received an alarm activation. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. On arrival, The KSS Officers found that a window at the back had been broken, and a steel burglar bar had been removed. The client was advised. The suspect broke into the ladies' toilet by removing a window (which was not linked to the alarm), then forced open the toilet door. However, the storeroom/kitchen alarm activated, and the suspect fled. Nothing was stolen. The client requested additional patrols overnight.

19 March 2025 22:31 Bell Street (Howick) The KSS Control Room received an alarm activation. A KSS Response Team was dispatched and the KSS Officer saw a suspect hiding inside the shop. The KSS Officer pretended not to see the suspect, called for backup, and SAPS were contacted. The suspect was apprehended by KSS Officers and handed over to SAPS. However, while in custody of SAPS, the suspect escaped still wearing the handcuffs (KSS handcuffs as SAPS did not have any on them). Despite a search, the suspect was not found.

21 March 2025 10:30 R617 Boston Bulwer Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room received a medical emergency request. The caller reported that someone had fallen. Midlands EMS was dispatched. The resident suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the hospital.

21 March 2025 16:30 SNIPR Activation (Hilton) The KSS Control Room received a SNIPR activation for a vehicle heading toward Hilton. The vehicle was stopped and escorted to Shell Garage in Merrivale, where the driver settled an outstanding fuel payment. The vehicle was removed from the UCSI SNIPR watchlist.

22 March 2025 21:50 Tweedie Road (Tweedie) The KSS Control Room received multiple alarm activations. A KSS Response Team was dispatched and noticed that the shed door was half open and the chain was on the ground. Additional KSS backup was dispatched. The client was advised. A brush cutter and a welding machine were stolen. Access was gained by crawling under the fence. Additional patrols were conducted by KSS. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened.

25 March 2025 07:50 Penny Lane (Hilton) The KSS Control Room received reports of two suspects caught on CCTV attempting to gain access to properties in the area. A client reported that suspects cut two sections of the fence and used a crowbar to force entry. A bicycle, electric tools, and clothing were stolen. As per the client no need for SAPS.

25 March 2025 11:36 Surrey Lane (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a request for assistance as a suspect had jumped over a fence and stolen a cordless drill from a vehicle. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The suspect dropped the stolen item, which was recovered. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened.

25 March 2025 15:10 R103 (Lions River) The KSS Control Room received a report of a vehicle break-in. The front passenger window was broken, and the owner’s wallet, driver’s license, passport, and handbag were stolen. The client was escorted to SAPS by KSS. A case was opened.

25 March 2025 22:46 Mare Street (Howick) A KSS client reported a break-in. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that the suspect jumped the fence, broke the unalarmed kitchen window, and stole a laptop, charger, mouse, and alcohol. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened.

26 March 2025 00:46 Violet Road (Howick West) The KSS Control Room received a panic activation. KSS Response Teams and SAPS were dispatched. A suspect entered the house through an open window while the tenants were asleep. An iPhone was stolen. SAPS arrived. A case was opened.

27 March 2025 16:44 Fraser Street (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a call from the client requesting assistance as there was a disturbance at a property. A KSS Response Team was dispatched and met with staff on-site. A visitor had damaged a water pipe, refused to pay for damages, and was asked to leave. The situation was resolved and the person left.

27 March 2025 19:12 Exchange Lane (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a panic activation. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that a suspect had been tampering with a trailer. The suspect gained access through an open gate but fled when spotted. Nothing was stolen. The client was advised. As per the client no need for SAPS. KSS conducted additional patrols.

28 March 2025 16:07 Park Road (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a request for assistance after a suspect jumped into a client’s premises. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The suspect fled over the back fence. Nothing was stolen. KSS conducted additional patrols. As per the client no need for SAPS.

29 March 2025 18:49 Wiese Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room was advised that a stainless steel braai had been stolen. As per the client no need for SAPS. The client requested patrols for the night.

30 March 2025 10:25 Old Main Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room received an alarm activation. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that copper pipes had been cut, and water was leaking. Access was gained by jumping over the fence. The client was informed, and the water was turned off. As per the client no need for SAPS.

31 March 2025 06:54 Campbell Road (Howick) The KSS Control Room was advised by a client that there has been a break-in. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officer reported that an air-conditioning unit had been stolen. Access was gained by jumping over the palisade fence. As per the client no need for SAPS.

31 March 2025 11:43 Main Street (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a call from a client requesting assistance. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that a suspect had been apprehended for shoplifting. As per the client no need for SAPS.

31 March 2025 15:30 Main Street (Howick) The KSS Control Room received a call from a client reporting that copper pipes had been stolen. As per the client no need for SAPS.

Stay safe. Check your alarms and fences. Set your alarms.

Upgrade your alarms to cover vulnerable areas. Cut back excessive foliage.

SUGGESTION – Link your CCTV cameras to the KSS Control Room. Call 033 330 5911 for more information.

Remember – You are safer with us!

Kind regards,
Gary and the dedicated KSS Team