FOLLOWING a spike in break-ins and trespassing incidents in recent weeks, the Sunningdale Neighbourhood Watch has vowed to take the streets back. What’s more, the neighbourhood watch as well as Marshall Security have identified the routes used by the criminals. In the past week alone, officers chased after suspects on two separate occasions.
Member of the watch and owner of Marshall Security, Tyron Powell said the criminals had mainly targeted properties bordering the N2 freeway.
“There were a few complexes along the N2 where the suspects have gained access to properties and fence hopped until they find something to steal. Thankfully there has been no serious altercations but we have identified a number of routes used by the gang. We are confident of an arrest in the coming weeks and are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. We are working actively with the neighbourhood watch to increase patrols in the area,” he said.
His comments were echoed by Sunningdale Home Owners Association (SHOA) chairman, Andre Hattingh.
“We’ve had a long period where there has been little or no crime, all of a sudden there has been a spike. Unfortunately not every home and complex fronting the freeway is adequately protected in terms of security. We are urging residents to put up more beams and improve their general security around their houses to stop this gang. We’ve identified two suspects in particular who have been spotted at various incidents in the area.
“We need residents to be proactive, rather than reactive. I hope more residents will join the neighbourhood watch, the more eyes on the streets, the better our chances are of stopping a potential crime. They also need to report any suspicious activity including vehicles. We are doing everything we can to catch these guys and put them behind bars,” he said.