People living on smallholdings in Dalmada say their biggest headache currently is whether they will also become victims of burglaries, with one woman having been burgled three times over the past four months.
Because of this concern, the community policing forum (CPF) in the area (Sector 8), is conducting daily operations, with community foot patrollers participating.
Joan Muller, whose house was burgled three times over the past four months, said that in an attempt to avoid being burgled again, she relocated to another smallholding in the area.
“I thought that moving would be the answer but on the second day in my new home my neighbour’s home was burgled,” Joan said.
CPF Sector 8 chairperson, Buks Korff called on everyone to get involved in their CPF and also to help by reporting suspicious people.
Polokwane police spokesperson WO Lesiba Ramoshaba said there had been no reports of burglaries in this area for the past month.
He urged people to report such incidents, as the police would not be aware if there was a problem in a certain area otherwise.
He shared the following safety tips to reduce the risk of burglaries:
• Ensure all windows and doors are properly closed and locked when you leave home.
• Gates must be locked at all times.
• If possible, install an alarm system.
• Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours, so that you will be in a position to support and help each other.
• Inform your neighbours when you are going on holiday.
• Ensure that ladders and other items that can be used to gain entry to the property are locked away when not in use.
• Close the curtains as soon as you switch on your lights, so that criminals cannot see inside your house.
• Inform the police of empty or vacant houses, as they are hiding places for criminals.
Ramoshaba said people should report any suspicious vehicle (try to document the registration number) or people to the police immediately. He also emphasised the importance of getting involved with the local CPF in the area, and having the contact number of the sector policing manager of their area.
The Polokwane police station can be contacted at (015) 290 6531.
