Four factories were burgled since Sunday, June 14, leaving the Chinese community in fear.
“Burglars used to steal pieces of steel at first, but now they are coming into our factories,” said Gary Hsu, a factory owner whose business was recently burgled.
Mr Hsu explained the spate of burglaries have become so common place, a pattern has been noticed.
“The burglars usually target factories at about 2am and we suspect that it is the same group of people doing it. You can see them on CCTV jumping into the premises with their masks and gloves on.”
A security company was hired to patrol Riverside Industria on a nightly basis in a desperate attempt to deter criminal activity. However, he explained the burglars managed to elude guards thus far.
“When they see the security guards or police, they run.”
Sam Lee, another factory owner, said his factory was broken into last Wednesday evening. A television, DVD player, office equipment, a cellphone and tablet were stolen.
“They have broken my business’ windows twice before in an attempt to get clothing and now this,” he said.
With the recent murder of Xioming Zhang, a factory owner murdered during an armed robbery, Mr Lee said he felt the police needed to patrol more to ensure crime did not overrun Riverside Industria.
Warrant Officer Simon Luthuli, SAPS spokesperson, said while police did do regular patrols in the industrial area, he suggested business owners took extra precautions.
“Factory owners should try to hire registered and qualified security guards to watch over their premises,” he said.
Mr Lee added: “We fear for our safety. If it had only happened once it would not have been that bad, but it is happening more and more.”
Mr Hsu said he agreed with Mr Lee. “I have been living in Newcastle for 20 years and it used to be safe, but not any more, especially this year.”
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