House robberies and burglaries trend

In a crime survey released by Sandton police, residential burglary and house robbery were most prevalent crimes in Sector 1 and 2 suburbs. The timing of crimes varied, with Sector 1 (including Sunninghill) experiencing most crimes on weekdays in the late afternoon to evening, while Sector 2 (Lonehill, Rietfontein and Paulshof) saw incidents on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

According to Captain Kym Cloete, communications official for Sandton police, two notable house robberies occurred in the week of 11 August.

A house in Gallo Manor was robbed on 12 August at 7.15pm. A resident came across three men inside her house, and was subsequently tied up with her husband and her daughter while the suspects ransacked the house. The men fled in a vehicle stolen from the family, taking jewellery, electrical equipment and a cellphone. The vehicle was recovered at Nobuhle Hostel, Alexandra. An investigation is still underway.

A second house robbery occurred on the morning of 14 August in Paulshof. A domestic worker entered the house to find a single male suspect inside. The man grabbed her, told her not to scream, and demanded jewellery. When the woman managed to press the panic button, the suspect fled the scene with electrical appliances and jewellery. A police investigation continues.

Cloete warned that residential burglaries and robberies often took place where security systems were inadequate or non-functional. Residents are warned to make regular checks of alarm systems, and to arm the alarm whenever they leave the house. It is also vital that electric fences are fully operational and armed at all times. She advised community members to ensure that gates were as tamper-proof as possible, and that doors and gates were locked.