10/09/2026
π¨ THIEVES ARE STEALING CLOTHES FROM WASHING LINES
IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS β BUT DON'T MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM
Theft from washing lines is nothing new. In Grahamstown Makhanda, we've been hearing about it for at least 15 years and probably longer. But with the rising cost of living and ongoing economic pressure, opportunistic and petty theft remain a concern.
The important thing to remember is this: criminals generally look for the easiest opportunity. The less effort, time and equipment required, the better.
During August and September, Hi-Tec noticed reports of clothesline theft being shared in several of the community WhatsApp groups we help monitor. West Hill, Hill 60 and the Kingswood area have been mentioned, with incidents occurring in broad daylight as well as at night when clothing has been left outside.
Clothes aren't the only targets. Shoes left outside, hosepipes, bicycles, tools and other unsecured items within easy reach can also disappear.
And some seemingly minor thefts can have a bigger knock-on effect. Stolen tools may later be used to commit other crimes, including cable theft.
Criminals can also be surprisingly resourceful. We've seen instances where tree branches or walking sticks have been used as makeshift hooks to reach through open windows or through security gates when doors are left ajar.
So please don't give them an easy opportunity.
π A FEW SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS:
β’ Don't leave washing hanging outside for longer than necessary. If you have domestic staff doing washing, please ask them not to leave clothes unattended for extended periods.
β’ Bring in shoes and lock up tools, bicycles, hoses and other movable items when they aren't being used. If something is left unsecured and within easy reach, be prepared for the possibility that someone may take it.
β’ Be aware of unfamiliar people repeatedly loitering or moving around residential properties. This includes people collecting recyclables or asking for food or jobs. This does NOT mean that every beggar or informal recycler is a criminal. However, anyone who spends time around homes can potentially observe which houses are occupied, when residents leave and return, and which properties may be easier to access. Don't provide unrestricted access to your property, and report suspicious behaviour.
β’ If you regularly want to help people in need, consider supporting established feeding schemes or organisations such as Food 4 Futures rather than allowing strangers to become familiar with your household's routines.
β’ Pay attention to unusual noises and excessive or persistent barking. Your dogs may have noticed something you haven't. Take a moment to check what has attracted their attention.
π¨ MAKE YOUR PROPERTY HARDER TO TARGET
Outdoor motion detection can provide an additional layer of protection by alerting you to movement around your property.
Talk to our office about outdoor motion detectors. The technology has become considerably more affordable over the years, making it a practical option for many homes. Motion detection can also be particularly useful for protecting vulnerable areas where copper theft and other property-related crimes are a concern.
π’ REPORT EVERY INCIDENT TO THE POLICE
If you have been a victim of theft, no matter how minor it may seem, please report it to SAPS and open a case.
It may seem pointless to report "just a few clothes", but if ten people are affected and only one opens a case, police records show one incident β not ten. Crime statistics are based on reported cases, so unreported crime can make a problem appear far smaller than it really is.
Reports also help police identify patterns, such as repeated thefts in a particular area or at certain times, and may help link suspects or recovered property to other cases.
Most importantly, please don't assume that "it's only a few clothes" or "it's not worth reporting". Every incident reported helps create a more accurate picture of what is actually happening in our community.
It all adds up.
Criminals look for easy opportunities. Let's not make our homes, gardens and belongings those opportunities.
Information shared by Hi-Tec Security in the interest of keeping the community informed and safe.
