House robberies spike in Malvern, warns police

HOUSE robberies in the Malvern area are on the increase, and police have urged community members to be vigilant.

Sgt Sthembile Kheswa, the Malvern SAPS Communications officer reported on two incidents that occurred recently.

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“In the first incident, the victim was in his garage with employees when they noticed that the driveway gate was being derailed and four armed men entered the property. The suspects ran into the house through the garage and demanded the safe. However, there was no safe,” said Kheswa.

Gold jewellery, laptops and cellphones were taken during the incident.

“The suspects, who were between 25 and 30 years old, fled the scene in two Mercedes vehicles that were parked on the road.”

Ten minutes later, the same suspects derailed another gate to gain access to a house.

“The front door of the house was open while the helper was moping. She noticed the men derailing the gates and entering the yard. The helper then ran upstairs into the main bedroom where the lady of the house was.

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“The suspects chased her up the stairs and tried to push the door open but she had already pressed the panic button. The son who was in the other room also pressed the panic button and the suspects then fled into two vehicles which were parked on the road,” said Kheswa.

A cellphone was taken from the kitchen.

“Main gates must be closed at all times and residents should be mindful of their surroundings. Residents need to know where their panic buttons are located. Residents must develop a good relationship with their neighbours to foster a safe environment.

“We have noticed that house robbers a climbing on roofs to gain entry,” said station commander of Malvern SAPS, Lieutenant colonel Nokuthula Mthethwa. She also urges residents to keep tools or any other items that can be used to break into properties locked away.

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