Between 1 and 15 November, 19 burglaries at residential premises have been reported to the Melkbosstrand police.
Most of the break-ins occurred in the early hours of the morning, in which garages were the main targets. Entry was gained by breaking the locks of the non-automatic old garage doors.
Valuables stored there that were taken were bicycles and power tools. Melkbosstrand SAPS wants to urge residents to:
.Lock valuables in the house.
.Lock vehicles.
.Arm the alarms at night.
.Be on the lookout for any suspicious persons/vehicles in your street.
.Know all emergency numbers.
.If your house alarm goes off or you hear strange noises and your dogs bark switch on the outside lights.
.Never open the door automatically when the bell rings or if someone knocks.
.Have a watchdog around to warn you about possible intruders. Keep dogs visible as a deterrent but beyond the reach of strangers.
.Report any suspicious activity to SAPS immediately on 0021 553 8200.
SAPS, Neighbourhood Watch and Security companies patrol throughout the night, but need residents to alert them to any suspicious-looking activities to act swiftly and effectively.
SAPS and Neighbourhood Watch urgently request any residents, if available, to assist with enhancing the patrolling capabilities. They must please inform the Melkbosstrand Neighbourhood Watch Operations Manager, Jacques Erasmus, as soon as possible.
Join the fight against crime by joining your local Neighbourhood Watch and Street Watch to assist with curbing crime. The community is also asked for information that can lead to recovery of stolen goods and arrests.
Anybody with video footage of incidents or information must please contact Melkbosstrand Police on 0021 553 8200 or the sector vehicle on 079 894 1640.
