It’s been another bad week crime-wise for Amanzimtoti residents, with home invasions on the increase.
On Friday, 17 November a gang of four men forced open the kitchen door and stormed into a Burne Road home. A St Winifreds property was invaded by armed men on the same night.
“We have had at least four, maybe five driveway gates derailed in the last week. Fortunately no serious injuries were reported but it can turn tragic in a matter of seconds,” said Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) committee member, George Snodey.
On 12 November the CCPO reported two home invasions in Athlone Park. On Kingsway, six armed men held up a family and workers and took valuables before fleeing, while in Booth Road a domestic worker was tied up and the home owner’s possessions stolen.
READ ALSO: Brazen Amanzimtoti home invaders cook, eat meal before fleeing
On 3 November a family in a complex in Gordon Road, Winklespruit was sitting outside, ready to braai when three men jumped over the wall. “They were robbed of a lot of property but were fortunately not harmed, possibly the result of them not putting up much resistance,” said Snodey.
“According to the victims, once the men were inside the home, one of them made a phone call to say they were in and when they were ready to leave, he called again. This sounds like a vehicle was waiting nearby for them.”
READ ALSO: Safety tips to survive a home invasion
This follows a similar invasion on Tuesday night, 7 November, when a Longacres Drive couple were left battered and bruised after three home invaders assaulted and robbed them in their home. Their security gate lock was prised open and they smashed down the front door with a 14 pound hammer in a matter of seconds. They were in so fast, the couple didn’t even get a chance to get off the couch and get to their panic button.
“Be aware, contact crimes are on the increase and we all need to take extra precautions and always be aware of what’s going on around us. Listen and look out for your neighbours.”
Snodey advised fitting a security gate inside your front door or brackets across the inside of your door to stop them from kicking the door in and a decent lock that can’t be forced open or cut with a boltcutter.
Anti-lift brackets and a bracket over your gate motor will make it more difficult for them to get to you or your possessions. Home owners can also have an alarm fitted inside their gate motor cover which will activate if the gate is opened by any other means than with the remote.
CCTV cameras also make a difference, as they allow you to see anyone sneaking around outside before they get in. The extra few seconds will allow you time to get to your panic button or phone for help.
To join the CCPO, call the office on 031-903-7037 or George Snodey on 083-655-4302.
