A resident fears for the safety of his family after being burgled for the fourth time this year.
Andrew Mells said the complex is unsafe as the electric fence around the perimeter rarely works and makes it easier for criminals to access the complex.
“We live in a complex on Zeiss Road in Honeydew and the residents live in fear as [the complex has] been robbed about four times this year.”
He said the latest robbery took place on 31 July at around 3.40am.
“My wife and I woke up to the screams of our 80-year-old neighbour and she called out our names and afterwards she said ‘go away’.”
He explained that his wife went toward the door to take a look at what was going on, but became scared and ran back.
“I went to inspect and first, I went to the back door but was unable to see anything, I went to a small window at the front of the house and as soon as I looked through the window, a gun was pointed against my head and the criminal said ‘open the front door’. I opened the door as there was no way that I could hide away from the criminals.”
Mells said two criminals entered his property, one with a gun and the second was unarmed.
“He started shoving me around and pointing at things and said ‘give it to me’. I soon realised that he was after electronic devices as he only took our cellphones and a tablet.”
He said while the criminals were busy pushing him around, his son walked in and screamed at them to stop.
“They started slapping my son around and in the meantime, my wife had locked herself inside our bedroom.”
Mells said one of the men shouted and ordered his wife to open her bedroom door.
“I shouted to my wife and said just open up with the thought that they may go away after they have stolen everything they wanted to.”
His wife opened the door and they took the cellphone she was carrying on her.
“Afterwards, they ordered us to face the wall and I thought they were going to shoot us, but it went quiet and I noticed that they were gone.”
He explained that the panic buttons weren’t working, which meant the police could not react in time to apprehend the perpetrators.
He added, “I received a letter from the Body Corporate that said we can put in claims and write up all of the items that were stolen, but I get the feeling that we will not get a cent back.”
One of the Body Corporate members Leon Lourens said the Body Corporate cannot be held responsible for any losses due to a break-in or robbery.
“We do our utmost best to make the complex as safe as it can be, but opportunistic criminals will always find a way to break in.”
He said that the criminals might have tailgated someone in, as they only tripped the alarm when they jumped over the electric fence on their way out.
“We are planning to erect a precast wall behind the palisade fence on the perimeter of the complex as we are serious about the safety of the residents inside the complex.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said a case of armed robbery has been opened at the police station and the detectives are investigating the incidents.
“We are busy circulating pamphlets to make residents aware of the increase of crime in the suburb.”
Mells said they are currently on the lookout for a different place to stay as they feel unsafe in their own house.
