Scam in South AfricaHotels and rooms
Burglary and theft from accommodation in South Africa
How it works
Thieves enter a property or take valuables left within easy reach. Items visible through an open window can be an easy target.
Warning signs
- Valuables can be seen through an open window.
- Your room or property is not secured.
- A power cut has affected security systems.
How to avoid it
- Choose accommodation with security.
- Use the room safe or ask staff about secure storage.
- Close and secure windows and doors.
- Keep valuables away from windows.
If it happens to you
Check with staff in case they moved exposed valuables into safekeeping. If items were stolen, report this to the accommodation and police.
- Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
- Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- TripadvisorSouthern Sun Rosebank hotel reviews2026SOUTHERN SUN ROSEBANK - Recent 2026 ReviewsA guest alleges that €700 disappeared from a bag in their room while they were downstairs having breakfast and the room was being cleaned.Read on Tripadvisor
- Government advice2026South Africa travel adviceCanada lists burglaries and home invasions among crimes involving foreigners and advises visitors to choose accommodation with adequate security.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the burglary and theft from accommodation scam in South Africa?
Thieves enter a property or take valuables left within easy reach. Items visible through an open window can be an easy target.
How can I spot it early?
Valuables can be seen through an open window. Your room or property is not secured. A power cut has affected security systems.
How do I avoid burglary and theft from accommodation in South Africa?
Choose accommodation with security. Use the room safe or ask staff about secure storage. Close and secure windows and doors. Keep valuables away from windows.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Check with staff in case they moved exposed valuables into safekeeping. If items were stolen, report this to the accommodation and police.
Where in South Africa does this happen?
Across South Africa; hotel-room precautions are also highlighted for Cape Town
How common is this scam in South Africa?
Common. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?
Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.
Reviewed by @snuck