Glenashley green belt a criminal hotspot says residents

GLENASHLEY residents have raised concerns over their safety following a spate of house break-ins in the area. Residents believe a green zone between Lindsay Drive and Laughton Avenue is key to the problem as thieves are using the forest as a cover for their crimes.

Two weeks ago, Northglen News spoke to Laughton Avenue resident, Sean Ross, who said the problem had worsened in the last six to eight months with homes being targeted on an almost daily basis. Now, residents on Marion Avenue have also raised their concerns after spotting several men walking through the bushes.

Akhona Mahlati, whose home has been burgled into on three occasions said he believed the suspects carrying out the break-ins were part of an organised crime syndicate.

Related story: Spike in break-ins concern Glenashley residents

“They are using the green belt as an escape route and a way to scout properties. I believe they are being dropped off in the area and then they rendezvous with the getaway vehicle when they’ve stolen as much as they can. In my case they made off with several items including a 58-inch TV.

“My security company who responded said they spotted a Land Rover Discovery speeding away from my home which shows they are organised. They even stole my side mirrors of my vehicle and left behind a car jack which they used to try and prop open my burglar bars,” he said.

Mahlati said a buffer zone needed to be created with all properties backing up on the green zone.

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“The City should enforce the three metre buffer zone between the boundary walls of our homes and the green zone. In that way we’d be able to combat the criminals using the forest to mask their movements,” he said.

His thoughts were echoed by Marion Avenue resident, Max Guadagnino.

“Most of these incidents have taken place under the cover of darkness, normally between 2am and 4am. I know that residents on Laughton Avenue have had guys break-in during the day which is equally concerning. I’ve heard people walking through the bush and we’ve had incidents where they’ve broken into my property or tampered with my electric fence.

“I’ve even considered building a fence around the trees in the green zone outside my property by getting special permission from the City. I’ve installed floodlights, raised my boundary fence, installed electric fencing and security gates. I’ve done everything I can to secure my property and protect my family,” he explained.

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