POLOKWANE – The crime spree that is plaguing businesses in Laboria began in October last year with businesses suffering significant financial loss despite increased security measures. Recently a security guard was shot and killed while on duty at one of the businesses while several others have been assaulted and severely injured during robberies.
One of the business owners, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of victimisation, said one of the break-ins at his premises cost him around R40 000 in damages, while another reported a loss of R100 000 in damages.
The open field close to the businesses is suspected to offer hiding places for the criminals, giving them the opportunity to scout out the businesses before a robbery.
It is suspected that the criminals responsible for the break-ins might have inside information as they know exactly where the alarm systems and security beams are situated.
“We are at the end of our rope and we decided instead of throwing more money away by doing security upgrades that are not effective or suffering losses due to break-ins and vandalism, we will rather offer a reward for anyone who can provide us with information which will lead to the arrest of the culprits,” the business owner said.
“It is clear from the security footage of the robberies that one man can be identified involved in at least three of the robberies. Another concern we have is that the police take long to respond when we report the cases or they simply come to the site to view the security footage, which they do not even take into evidence,” the owner added.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, told Review the police are investigating the cases reported but he said no arrests have been made yet.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the Westenburg Police at (015) 292 9415/10,” he said.
