17th March 2010
The following statistics  revealed by interviewing convicted burglars may provide some insight into criminal behaviour.

- Criminals indicated that most house robberies occur after hours between 7pm and midnight as people are generally relaxing during this time.

- The robberies are likely to occur at times when residents are awake, the alarm is switched off and there is noise in the house.

- 63% of the respondents target homes that were a 10 to 30 minutes drive from where they live. This is because they know the area, are fully aware of the police's routine, they know all entry and exit routes, and they have observed these neighbourhoods thoroughly.

- It was found that a staggering 97% of intruders are armed, which in turn means the most important thing to do when in an armed robbery situation is to remain calm. Give the robbers what they want so they can disappear quickly!

According to the criminals, victims' lives would be spared if they remained calm, didn't fight back, kept their hands visible, maintained their original position and only spoke when asked a question.

- 32% of the respondents said they want no eye contact with victims, and expect victims to follow orders.

- Alarm systems and armed reaction services are not considered a deterrent. Electric fences, CCTV and detection beams do, however, deter robbers.

- The biggest deterrent, confirmed by robbers themselves, are small dogs that are kept inside the house.