Loomcraft Fabrics is threatening to close after a fourth break-in in three weeks has left the owner seething.
Neil Hompes who owns the textile business said he is losing hope in the area because all the businesses are being targeted.
“They’ve cleaned us out. We are getting sick and tired of being robbed and nobody responds. When these things happen, you wonder what’s the point in investing in your company and expanding it because you worry when the equipment will be stolen again,” said Hompes.
The criminals climbed a 10 metre wall and entered the premises through the roof and cut off all cables including phone lines, alarm system and CCTV connections. They ransacked the building, using grinders to open vaults and stealing equipment such as computers, laptops and manufacturing equipment.
The criminals used the hand trolleys to load the equipment then used the front door to leave. The damage to the company is estimated to be over R2 million.
What adds insult to injury for Hompes is that the business also manufactures police uniform but law enforcement has allegedly been slow in reacting to the incident.
“No headway has been made in the three previous cases. When the police came, they did not even take any finger prints or investigate where the criminals broke in. They were in a hurry to leave. If we were to stop operating, our police would be walking naked with no uniform” said Hompes.
Gecor Automatic Turning CC, another business next to the textile company has also been targeted. During the December period, criminals broke in and stole computers. Some offices still bear the marks of the break-in and manager George Phillips said the level of crime in the area has increased dramatically over the last few months.
“We are going nowhere fast because what is happening is blatant thuggery. I don’t even bother fixing the windows anymore because I know it’s just a matter of time before the criminals come back again,” said Phillips.
Just two weeks ago, Loomcraft Fabrics had another break-in and the criminals broke off all the locks but nothing was taken.
“Maybe they just came here to map the premises because nothing was taken. They just destroyed some files and broke all the locks,” said Hompes.
The Roodepoort police confirmed that a case of theft was opened and an investigation is underway.
