CANSA Highveld Centre has experienced more than five burglaries over the past five years, two of which occurred this year.
The business was burgled on April 2 and again on April 5.
The burglaries came as a shock to employees and volunteers as their personal space that they share with patients on a day to day basis, was intruded.
In the first burglary entry was gained through a window which had been broken in the store room, the burglars stole towels, a monitor screen and some medical equipment. In the second burglary the burglars went throughout the entire business looting items of value, these included money collection tins. They also attempted to gain entry to the safe but were unsuccessful.
“We have received fantastic support from the Witbank Police that warned us that they will be coming back for the third time,” said Mr Andries du Preez, office manager.
He went on to say that the burglaries do affect the staff and the business in that the stolen items were not budgeted for.
“The switch board was damaged in the process thus calls, emails, wi-fi and everything was effected, this caused and is still causing havoc,” he said.
Du Preez went on to say that they have installed alarms, improved burglar bars and safety gates but believes that this will certainly not keep it from happening again as the offices are situated down town. It has affected the number of walk-in patients in a negative way.
“CANSA’s future belongs to the support of the public to keep the office sustainable and to ensure that we assist our patients and to keep CANSA’s ideals of research, education and support. We need to ensure the best possible service for our staff and most important our patients and their needs, but without walk-ins there is no service or support,” he added.
He went on to say that should they get a donor or partner that can assist them with new, safer premises or office space or a house space that they would greatly appreciate it.
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