House robber arrested
A vigilant victim of a house robbery in Berea’s speedy reporting and description of suspects and their getaway vehicle, helped police in arresting one of the men on Monday night. According to Captain PN Naidoo, communications officer at Berea SAPS around 8pm on Monday five suspects went into a home on Ritson Road. “Four of the suspects were armed and demanded that the victim give them her cellphone, laptop and other valuables before they drove off in a silver grey BMW with an NJ registration,” he explained.
Naidoo said the victim was observant and took down the registration of the vehicle and phoned 10111 with the information and details of the robbery. “Radio control circulated the vehicle and one suspect was arrested with the vehicle by a Durban Flying Squad unit who were holding observation on the Kwa Mashu highway,” he said.The suspect was arrested for house robbery and is in police custody.
Crime awareness tips
Berea police are encouraging the community to be extra vigilant, especially parents who wait outside schools, as the end of the year approaches. “We have noticed that people are very busy and not vigilant when we are on patrol. Some parents picking up kids get to the school early and sit in their vehicles with the vehicle opened and text or read the paper, which is a concern,” said Captain PN Naidoo. He appealed to the community to be more alert.
“Parents dropping off kids at school are not aware of their surroundings, their car is idling, they get out the car whilst the driver’s door is open, go to the boot open it and send the kid off. Someone could be watching and pounce on them when you least expect it. Others don’t even realise if they are being followed or watched because they are busy on their cellphones. “When we tell them not to text at a robot they get very upset with us. Others sit in their vehicles and listen to music or chat with a friend, this can create an opportunity for criminals to operate. We find this happening even late at night,” he said.
