After a wave of housebreakings in Westonaria, the local police took to the streets to create awareness and visibility in the area on Thursday, 22 September.
On Wednesday, 21 September a housebreaking occurred in Glenharvie – and it was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.A neighbour allegedly called the police with a description of a strange car leaving a house nearby, and later a housebreaking was reported.
The next day, officials were out in full force with an awareness campaign. The event was organised by Sergeant Audrey Sefara of the Westonaria Social Crime Prevention Unit.
The police, plus the Westonaria Traffic Police, Community Policing Forum members, Public Safety, and the Victim Empowerment Centre handed out pamphlets to Glenharvie residents.
While handing out pamphlets, the Herald went with two officers into a home. Gaining access was as simple as opening all the gates and doors to the home as none of them were locked.
Once inside the home, one of the officers, Warrant Officer LJ Ledwaba, located the completely oblivious owner and proved to her and us how easy residents make it for criminals to enter their homes. He spoke to the woman about how and when to secure her home to prevent becoming an easy target.
Once alerted to the danger and when the officers left, the woman immediately locked her gate and doors.
The Westonaria Police are determined to rid the area of housebreakings, primarily by making residents more conscious about safety.
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