Police Warning: Criminals taking chances during loadshedding

[Nat Quinn]

Police in Gqeberha have warned residents to be vigilant and to take precautionary measures in ensuring that their premises are secure as criminals are breaking into properties while residents are at home during or just after loadshedding.

GQEBERHA RESIDENTS VICTIMS OF CRIME DURING LOADSHEDDING

Providing insight on the crisis, spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said police have recorded increases in the Rowallan Park, Kunene Park, Kabega Park, Parsonsridge and Westering areas.

“During investigations, detectives discovered that in some cases sliding doors were left open thus giving robbers easy access into the house. Many of these break-ins occurred between 22:00 and 04:00.”

Colonel Naidu

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POLICE BREAK DOWN THE BREAK-INS

The police spokesperson added that the recent robbery took place at about 01:46 in the morning at a house in Huguenot Street in Kabega Park.

“The complainant was woken up by four males in balaclavas. One was armed with a firearm and one with a panga. He was struck with the panga on his left arm. A shot was also fired but he did not sustain any injuries. Entry to the house was gained by forcing open the sliding door. A TV and cellphones were among items taken. The complainant was taken to hospital for treatment,” she explained.

“In all of the cases, the suspects are usually more than one,” Naidu cautioned.

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Residents are advised to re-look at their current security measures and consider upgrading as their safety is a priority. Herewith some useful tips for consideration:

• Make sure that sliding doors have security gates and that both are locked when going to bed.

• Install burglar bars on all windows that open.

• Make sure that your alarm system is in a good working condition and that the panic button is within reach in cases of emergency.

• Never go outside if you hear a noise or to check on your dog’s constant barking, instead, activate your panic alarm, phone the police and/or your security company.

“Police have stepped up vehicle and foot patrols in all of the abovementioned areas. Loadshedding affects us all and the SAPS is not exempt as during these times, the phone lines are down. SAPS Kabega Park residents are advised that should they experience challenges getting hold of the police station or the 10111 centre lines, residents can call the Operational Command Centre on 082 442 1282,” she concluded.

 

SOURCE:Police Warning: Criminals taking chances during loadshedding (thesouthafrican.com)

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