After a recent spate of house break-ins and robberies in Brentwood Park, Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said criminals are opportunists and will strike whenever possible.
“The robberies usually occur in the early hours of the morning, between midnight and 4am,” said Sekele.
“However, criminals are opportunists and can strike at any time regardless of who the victim is and where they reside.
“Usually two to three suspects wearing baklavas tie up the victim, ransack the home and steal valuables, such as laptops cellphones and jewellery, and anything else that is easy to carry out.
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“People need to be vigilant at all times and install surveillance such as CCTV cameras if it is affordable to do so.
“These suspects do an analysis prior to breaking in; therefore, we encourage people to report suspicious activity to the police immediately.
“Gardeners and domestic workers should also be profiled before they are hired.
“If possible, take their fingerprints and bring it to the police station to check their background.
“Also get to know your neighbour. Exchange numbers so they can be on the lookout when you are away and vice versa.”
Sekele added that investigations are underway in all cases reported to the Benoni SAPS.
According to Benoni CPF Sector Three deputy chairperson Ettiene de Klerk, who prepared a report on behalf of the sector chairperson, there has been an alarming number of armed home invasions in the Brentwood Park area over the last three months, specifically in townhouse complexes.
“Criminals have realised that inhabitants in these complexes are soft targets and, once they’ve gained entry to the property, that gaining access to individual homes and holding up the residents are remarkably easy,” said de Klerk.
“Residents in complexes don’t take the same security precautions people in free standing houses do.
“Some don’t install burglar bars on windows that open and have no security gates on their doors.
“They sleep with windows open at night and criminals gain access even through the smallest bathroom window on the first floor of a unit.”
He added that some residents also forget to lock their doors at night.
De Klerk further stated that perpetrators have been gaining access into the complexes in the Brentwood Park, Pomona, Boksburg North and Rynfield areas.
“They generally strike when people are likely in their deepest sleep.
“Complexes that have been particularly vulnerable are those where there is an open veld or unoccupied properties on the perimeter of the complex, this gives the gang quick access into and out of the complex again.
“Electric fences are not a deterrent as every complex breached has had electric fences.
“The answer is for each occupant to take personal responsibility for the security of their units by ensuring they have alarm systems, burglar bars on windows that open and security gates.
“The most simple but most neglected and ignored bit of advice that we give is that they do not leave any windows or doors open at night and never go out to investigate any sudden noises outside. Rather call the security company to come out.
“There needs to be a shift in thinking in complex living that you are immune to this type of crime.
“You need to be personally responsible for ensuring your home is secure.
“The SAPS and their partners are continuing to work together in respect of these armed home invasions to try and stop this chain of incidents in and around our sectors.
“It is vital that the community remains vigilant at all times and to report all incidents to the police by dialing 10111 to report an incident and to obtain an IR number for future reference.
“After reporting the incident to the police, call your local CPF on 060 525 1229 and your security provider immediately.
“We also urge members of the community to join the CPF and help to fight crime along with SAPS to ensure we address crime issues through this strong working partnership.”
