Resident bitter after break-in

Safety become a point of contention last week when a resident’s car was broken into at Newcastle Mall in broad daylight.

“I was at the mall for maybe an hour max,” claimed the resident. “My car was parked near Entrance 3, where I usually never park because I feel unsafe there.”

When she returned, she found her car had been broken into. The perpetrators allegedly forced the passenger side door open, thinking the vehicle owner might have hidden something under the jackets on the seat.

“The jackets were the only things that were disturbed. Luckily there was nothing worth stealing in the vehicle!” she exclaimed.

Marketing Manager at Newcastle Mall, Beulah Rajkumar said the incident was not brought to their attention.

“It is not often that an incident is reported directly to us. Some we may hear of via the SAPS or social media,” explained Mrs Rajkumar.

The resident said she was unable to report the matter because she had her two-month-old daughter with her.

“I am breastfeeding her and need to time my mall visits.”

Hauling Newcastle Mall’s security policy into the spotlight, the resident questioned what the use of the gates were.

“How do they control the cars that go in and out of the parking area? What if they managed to steal my car?”

Mrs Rajkumar explained their security policy is confidential for obvious reasons.

“However, we do work closely with the SAPS in this regard, and want to thank them for their continued assistance.”

If the victim is able to provide a proper description to management, the CCTV footage from the cameras at the mall’s entrances and main gates could be used to assist in identifying the culprits.

The resident maintained she has never felt so vulnerable and wonders whether she might have interrupted the culprits. She resolved never to return to the mall alone again.

“Most of these crimes are opportunistic-based. The public is requested to check whether their vehicles are locked properly and not to leave any valuables in their cars,” advised Mrs Rajkumar.

Mall management is currently in the process of reassessing their security measures. While this is of little solace to the victim, the long-term results could potentially provide for risk-free shopping.

Customers are urged to report any suspicious behaviour to the security control room on 034 326 1120.

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