The Cleveland SAPS has put measures in place and is considering other strategies to address the increase in crime in Cyrildene and Bruma.
Over the past few weeks, several residents have complained about this, especially house robberies.
Constable Mpho Mashakane, the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, said more house robberies were reported since the festive season.
Incidents that have taken place include a house robbery in Stanrich Avenue and Cooper Street in Cyrildene, and in Linschoten Road and George Albu Street in Bruma.
The incident in Stanrich Avenue took place on January 15. A woman returned home and found that her main gate was slightly open. She went into the house and found a man with a firearm.
He allegedly told her to keep quiet and pointed the firearm at her. “The woman ran outside and screamed for help. The suspects took jewellery and cash and fled the scene,” said Const Mashakane.
The next day a Linschoten Road resident was approached by a man in possession of a firearm.
“The victim alleged he was at home working and his employees were working in the yard. A man armed with a firearm approached him and ordered him to lie down. He then saw two more suspects in the house,” said Const Mashakane.
The suspects allegedly tied the man up and covered his face with a blanket. They took jewellery and other items and fled.
The man untied himself and when he went outside, he found his employees tied up as well.
On January 20, a Cooper Street resident heard a noise in the house. He then saw his friend and two suspects. She was being held at gunpoint. The pair was tied up with ropes and the house was ransacked.
On the same day, a couple having lunch at home in George Albu Street, heard a loud noise.
“The woman went to investigate and saw three men inside. One of the suspects grabbed her while the other men went upstairs and to the kitchen. The woman said the suspect grabbed her and took her ring and wristwatch. A television was also taken before the men fled.
Other incidents include a business robbery in Bruma and a house burglary and theft in Beryl Street, Bruma.
Const Mashakane said the Cleveland SAPS has increased its patrols and awareness campaigns are being conducted.
“The SAPS is working on strategies to solve the problem. No details can be provided as we need to ensure successful crime prevention operations,” she said.
She said suspects are mainly gaining entry to houses through the back door. “If residents notice unknown people walking around, they should call the police. That person will have to identify himself to the police officers. If anyone claims to be a meter reader or anyone else, he or she should be told to wait until the police arrive to verify their identity. I also advise residents to know all emergency numbers, make provision for good outside lighting but switch the lights off during the day. Never open the door automatically whenever the bell rings or if someone knocks. Make sure the person wanting to enter is expected. Domestic workers, garden staff and children are often approached by robbers who act as telephone or television repairmen, electricians and people with other professions,” she said.
If there are trustworthy people in the street you live in, arrange a plan with them should one of you need help or are in danger.
Following concerns raised about crime emanating from the koppie in Bruma and Cyrildene, Const Mashakane said joint operation with security companies will be conducted.
