Abandoned homes a criminal’s playground
Owner missing and nowhere to be found says ward councillor.
Empty houses believed to be a breeding ground for criminal activity are of great concern.
This after Siena Erasmus, Ward 4 DA councillor spotted three empty and abandoned houses – one in Henning Street and two in Van Deventer Streets.
According to Erasmus nobody knows what happened to the person who had bought the house at 41 Henning Street about two years ago. This house is literally being carried away by people passing by or those who squat there.
Steel cabinets from the kitchen were stolen, cupboards are ready to be taken and all lights and electrical sockets were removed.
Erasmus added the property rates are in arrears and the lapa on the premises had burnt down about three weeks ago. This in turn affected the church on the property at the back of the house.
A worried resident told the Herald,
People squat in these empty houses and have easy access to the property next to it. These people jumped over the wall and broke into the neighbouring house a while back.”
Erasmus handed over a petition to the council and hopefully this will bear some fruit. Erasmus feels the municipality should sell this house and recover the outstanding debt. The same goes for the houses at 18 and 20 Van Deventer Street.
There, wooden floor boards were removed and the houses are being torn down by people who steal whatever they can and resell it.
It is clear people squat here at night. It becomes yet another playground for criminals,” said Erasmus.
She added they were preparing petitions for these two properties.
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Also read:
Leë huis in Kocksoord ‘n gevaar
Planne in plek vir verlate huis in Randgate
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