Two streets in Parkmore, 12th and 13th, are a concern for residents and security companies alike.
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According to the area’s head of security, Steven Vena, who is part of 24/7 Security, these two streets are crime hotspots. ”I can say that in the past three months, there have been four break-ins in 13th Street alone; 12th is also a problem but 13th is the main problem at the moment,” he said.
Vena added that intruders were targeting these particular streets because of their location. ”These streets are located in a quiet area where not a lot of cars are driving around.” He stressed that the perpetrators were opportunists who specifically targeted empty houses. ”The intruders observe if people are out and use this as an opportunity to commit crime. There hasn’t been any violence [and no residents have been harmed].”
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He highlighted that in cases where the residents were home, security providers were called by residents and the intruders ran away. “In one case, the intruders ran because they heard someone in the house,” he said.
According to Vena, the suspects are afraid of confrontation and are apparently unarmed and do not aim to harm residents. He added that, based on his findings, the suspects have a getaway vehicle.
Kate Wardle, deputy chairperson of the Parkmore Community Association (PCA) discussed the security of these particular streets. ”This section [12th and 13th street] also falls outside of the gated area – although the residents are working to apply for closure… this a harder area to close. However, other options [are] being explored [including] hiring additional 24/7 patrolling guards.”
According to Wardle, the suspects follow a specific routine. ”The modus operandi is almost always identical. Typically on a Saturday, four men derail gates while the owners are out.”
She was optimistic that the association would find out who was behind the crimes. ”We have been doing an investigation and [conducting] research, including monitoring cars. It is an unusual crime trend and not the result of the [lack of] closures alone.”
In a recent PCA Facebook status, the association outlined the issue and alleged that someone in the Parkmore area was behind the crimes. The status urged the public to assist the PCA and 24/7 in finding the suspects. Any community members with valuable information can contact Vena confidentially.
Details: Steven Vena 082 893 2589.
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