Suspected syndicate hits another garage in Crowthorne in less than two weeks
All it took for the four suspects to complete their mission was just under 10 minutes, and they had robbed the petrol station in Crowthorne of between R20 000 and R50 000.
A suspected syndicate targeting petrol stations in Midrand has hit another garage, this time in Crowthorne, using the same modus operandi.
The gang reportedly bombs the drop-box safe of these petrol stations and steals the cash.
The most recent robbery took place in the early hours of November 26 at about 04:00. It is believed about four men, armed with pistols, stormed the garage and made off with an amount estimated to be between R20 000 and R50 000. The suspects were driving a grey Hyundai with an unknown registration.
The garage had been cordoned off and was not in operation on November 27 when Midrand Reporter visited the scene.
According to garage manager Carel van der Merwe, the suspects took about six to seven minutes before completing their mission.
“It’s a well-planned robbery because it’s silly season, it’s December now, and the groups or gangs want money. More or less about R20 000 was taken. SAPS visibility would be important and it could help a lot because most of these crimes happen during the night or early hours because it’s quieter,” said Van der Merwe.
Midrand Police Station spokesperson Constable Eliot Mabulane confirmed the incident, saying the police would intensify their visibility.
“More security cameras are needed and vehicles without registrations must be reported to the police. At the moment we can’t disclose how much was taken as it will form part of the police’s investigation. However, we can advise business owners of the garages around Midrand to frequently deposit cash into the bank and not leave it at the store until it’s late,” advised Mabulane.
Sector 3 Crime Forum chairperson Marvin Maphiri said criminals have noted that businesses were vulnerable due to many of them not being affiliated with the CPF.
“If businesses can join [crime] efforts, the syndicate can be shut down immediately… SAPS need to be deployed for rotational patrols at all petrol stations,” said Maphiri.
On November 7, a gang of 12 heavily armed men robbed a petrol station in Noordwyk and took an amount estimated between R180 000 and R200 000.
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