Helderkruin targeted by criminals
Two incidents of motor vehicles being targeted within 24 hours cause for concern.
Residents fear for their safety and believe the suburb of Helderkruin is being targeted by criminals after another two alarming incidents over the weekend.
Within at least 24 hours one motor vehicle was stolen and another almost got stolen. Both incidents occurred in the evening.
On Friday evening 9 May, an unknown number of suspects attempted to steal a vehicle at Laerskool Helderkruin while its owner was at a social cricket game.
According to the owner’s husband who wishes to remain anonymous, “It is not clear how they managed to gain access to the premises, but it was during a break in the second innings that I decided to go to my wife’s car. I spotted the door being open slightly.
“At first I thought she might have forgotten to lock the doors so I just closed it and locked it again. It must’ve been while we resumed play that they returned to the vehicle, managed to open it again but this time went as far as ripping open the cables on the driver’s side. Luckily they did not manage to steal the car, probably because we were on our way home by then. However, it was a mission to get the vehicle home. It will cost a lot of money to fix it.”
The second incident took place in Concorde Avenue on Saturday evening 10 May. A neighbour alerted others that she had spotted a vehicle being stolen. The vehicle was parked on the street.
According to the eyewitness the suspects stood chatting outside for some time before they struck. At least four residents then decided to take matters into their own hands by searching for the stolen vehicle and suspects. One of the residents was armed.
Luckily for the owner of the stolen vehicle, the vehicle being automatic led to the suspects eventually abandoning it a few blocks away in Sonderend Street. While on the lookout for the stolen vehicle, the community members did spot a suspicious looking bakkie and afterwards gave the police its registration number. The stolen vehicle then was towed back to the owner’s home. It is not clear whether the police responded to the call.
Should you spot anything suspicious in your area or street, contact your local SAPS either on the following sector numbers or 10111:
• Sector 1 consisting of Roodekrans, Wilro Park, Witpoortjie, Princess and Grobler Park can call 071 675 7125 or 071 675 7126.
• Sector 2 consisting of Helderkruin, Kloofendal, Horison, Discovery, Ontdekkers Park, Roodepoort North and Westgate can call 071 675 7130 or 071 675 7131.
• Sector 3 consisting of Roodepoort CBD, Davidsonville, Creswell Park, Georginia, Durban Deep, Matholesville and Solplaatjie can phone 071 675 7132 or 071 675 7135.
• Sector 4 consisting of Vlakfontein, Tshepisong, Emnandini, Lufhereng and Slovoville can phone 071 675 7129 or 071 675 7139.
