Over the past couple of months, scores of Boksburg households have reportedly fallen victim to burglars and robbers, raising questions about the ability of police to get to grips with this crime spree.
Several victims told this publication that they no longer feel safe in their homes, and appealed to authorities to intensify their fight against burglars in Boksburg.
Lieut Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese, from the Boksburg SAPS, admitted that, despite frequent patrols, especially visiting the hot spots, house robberies and daytime break-ins still remains a serious challenge for both the police and the community.
According to Ngobese, initiative after initiative has been undertaken to tackle such issues, including burglary, house robbery, theft of motor vehicles and other property-related crimes, but the spree persists.
On February 5, thieves broke into a house in Parkrand at about 11.30am, and got away with about R15 000 worth of goods.
Four house break-ins were also reported in Van Dyk Park, where thugs stole valuables between February 1 and 9, according to Ngobese.
On February 4, a gang of burglars targeted a Sunward Park home, where they stole R30 000 worth of goods, including high priced electric appliances.
The homeowner, Alpheus Makalela, was away when the thieves ransacked his house. He has released security camera footage showing the thieves stealing from his house.
The footage shows a vehicle parking in the driveway, before its three occupants forced open the gate to enter the yard. (QR Code: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRap3sDojCM)
It recorded the trio going up to the front door of the house, and police have determined that the intruders forced their way into the house through the main door.
Surveillance footage recorded the trio making several trips to move all the stolen goods to their vehicle parked in the driveway.
The burglary occurred between 11am and noon.
“It is the number one crime problem in Boksburg. It seems like it’s very common to break into people’s homes,” said Makalela.
He has released the video in an attempt to generate leads about the theft, and is hoping to get his items back and the crooks off the streets.
Anyone who may recognise the suspects seen in the video is asked to contact the Boksburg SAPS investigating officer Sgt Stanley Mokwele on 079 756 4581/011 841 6858.
No arrests have been made, but police are investigating a case of housebreaking.
A 57-year-old man and his domestic worker were recently tied up, robbed and left traumatised, after two thugs entered the man’s home in Plantation.
They fled with up to R30 000 worth of goods and R350 in cash.
A case of house robbery was registered, and police are still looking for the robbers.
Due to the current unacceptable property crime level, police are warning residents to be extra vigilant and encourage homeowners to install crime-tackling security equipment, including alarms and camera systems, so they can access that as evidence in the event of a burglary.
