OH WATCH

Unfortunately, most recently we have had an increase in crime in our area, with a new grouping of criminals targeting homes.

Last week, on Thursday and Friday nights, there were two house break-ins in Hilton Road, Oranjezicht, into houses situated two doors apart.

The modus operandi of the criminals is to enter the house when it is occupied, usually around midnight. There are at least four black males in the group. They are professional, and target laptops, DVD players, video camera, and TV sets. They are undeterred by perimeter beams, or the signage of armed response companies. Although they do not confront residents, they are obviously unafraid of confrontation.

In the one instance, a sash window was forced open to gain entry, in the other the front door was crowbarred open (the house has perimeter beams, and all windows are burglar barred). Both of these incidents happened while the residents were asleep.

Although the police were alerted in one instance, by a vigilant neighbour who saw them jumping over the garden wall, they evaded capture. They were confident enough to return the next night to target a house two doors down the street.

Residents are urged to review their security arrangements in the light of these incidents.If you have perimeter beams, make sure that they are fully functional. We would also ask residents to be on the lookout for suspicious individuals in the area during the night. We suspect that they are using a taxi or bakkie to transport the stolen goods. Please report any suspicious behaviour to SAPS on 021-4678001, or to ADT 0860 900 911 and CBAR 0860 15 15 15. We expect this grouping to strike again, and must do all we can to apprehend these individuals.