Break-in leaves Edenvale man’s faith in security provider broken
Community members urged to exercise caution and ensure that alarm systems are in working order
A residential burglary in Edenvale Ridge has left a home owner feeling suspicious about his security provider, Fidelity ADT.
Also read:Â Attempted burglary in Edenvale caught on camera
Taushan Pillay told the NEWS that on July 15 his home was broken into sometime between 4pm and 6pm.
Pillay said he is not certain if he did activate his alarm or not as he was in a rush to get to the hospital.
He said when he got home that evening the first thing he noticed was a damaged access gate. Inside his home, Pillay saw that the television and a few other items were missing.
After further investigation, Pillay noticed that his veranda doors had been forced open.
“I pressed the panic button but nothing happened,” said Pillay.
He said he had to go to a nearby ADT vehicle which contacted the control room.
The reason given to Pillay, by ADT, as to why there was no response to his panic button activation was because no signal had been received by ADT.
Pillay said he finds this quite suspicious as the alarm had been working on June 24 and worked again on July 16, when it was tested.
“From my side, I am disgusted and disappointed with the service I received. I received better service from the SAPS than from the security company,” explained Pillay.
He urged other community members to exercise caution and ensure that alarm systems are in working order when leaving their homes.
Pillay said from now on he will test his alarm system every time he leaves the house.
Capt Jean Olckers, spokesperson of the Edenvale SAPS confirmed that a case of residential burglary is under investigation.
Pillay emphasised that community members need to take necessary precautions.
“Fidelity ADT can confirm they received a phone call from another client residing in Fourth Avenue who reported suspicious activity at Pillay’s premises on July 15 at around 8:46 pm,” said Aslam Munsur, Fidelity ADT’s community development manager.
He said a vehicle was immediately dispatched and on arrival, ADT officers met with Pillay.
It was determined suspects had gained entry to his property by breaking the padlock on the access gate.
The SAPS was notified at approximately 8.53pm.
“As no alarm activation had been received from Mr Pillay’s premises a technical team was sent to investigate on July 20 and this report is still outstanding,” said Munsur.
He said ADT officers followed standard procedure.
