Africa News
The colour of litter, a code for burglars, insurer says
Apr 16, 2007, 16:19 GMT
Johannesburg - In South Africa the colour of the litter on the pavement outside your house could contain clues as to whether your home is being staked out by robbers, according to an insurance firm.
A green object, such as a beer bottle, could be a signal to thieves to 'go ahead, the coast is clear,' whereas a red object, such as a Coca-Cola can, could be a sign to 'steer well clear.'
Removing litter from outside the door is just one on a list of tips on how to outsmart wily criminals from local insurance provider Outsurance.
The company recommends that homeowners bolt their electronic gadgets, such as televisions, computers and CD players together or secure them to shelves or wall brackets, making them more difficult to transport.
Laying gravel around the home could amplify the sound of robbers' footsteps, while refraining from putting your name on a letterbox or gate could prevent thieves from looking you up in the phone book and calling to check whether anyone is home, the firm says.
It also notes that plastic pipes and gutters are more likely to break under the weight of a burglar, and doors, windows and entrances that are clear of shrubs would prevent robbers from lurking there.
Burglaries are common throughout South Africa, a country with high levels of petty and violent crime. In the 12 months to March last year, 10,173 burglaries were reported.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Older Talkback
page: 1
This story is true. How do you explain that as you drive through the suburb one day, you see different coloured bottles, all in the same position on various pavements? I would pick them up if I were aware of them! You can take your chances!
This information is incorrectly reported as expressing the views of OUTsurance. We certainly do not endorse the content.
It was complied from a range of comments and feedback given by members of the public in response to a request for suitable and practical consumer tips on home safety.
The issue of the coloured bottles on the pavement has fast become an urban legend and its factual accuracy is highly questionable.
The issue about bolting ones appliances, while acceptable to some, is extreme and may be both impractical and unsightly. We would never expect any consumer to go to such unreasonable lengths to secure their household items.
Trevor Devitt
Head of Communications
Tel 012 673 3060
And there you have it. An official person pointing out the possibility of this being an Urban Legend.
While we're at it, make sure that no car window washer leaves chewing gum on your car roof, indicating to the people at the next robots that you're a hijack victim.
page: 1
JamesApr 16th, 2007 - 17:13:02
Hmmmm... This is an OOOOOLLLDDD story. And, while I think it MIGHT be true, I also think there's a possibility that it's a message to get people to clean up the road in front of their house. What better motivator than fear?
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