The Benoni police have warned residents to avoid falling victim to house robberies.
This comes after several cases of house robberies took place in Northmead and Rynfield this past week.
On March 5, in Northmead, around 10am a domestic worker was assaulted and tied up during a house robbery.
Capt Nomsa Sekele said it is alleged that the domestic worker responded to a bakkie hooting outside the gate. It had four male occupants.
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“They told her they came to fix the house switches and one of them convincingly pretended to call the house owner so that the domestic worker would open for them,” said Sekele.
“Upon entering the house the suspects assaulted and tied her up, ransacked the house and took TVs, jewellery and house keys and then fled the scene.”
Sekele said the domestic worker was left screaming for help until the police and the house owner came and rescued her.
In another incident, on March 4 in Rynfield, the robbers gained entry into the house through a window which they forced open.
Sekele said the robbers were armed with a screwdriver. They tied the victim with cables and took jewellery, an empty handbag, complex remote and cellphone.
On March 3, around 3 am, another house robbery occurred in Rynfield.
She said said three robbers gained entry into the house through a window and they tied up the couple.
They fled with two TVs and other valuables.
All three cases were opened at the Benoni Police Station.
The spokesperson urges homeowners who leave their domestic workers at their home during the day to inform them of contractors or people expected to work on their premises during their absence.
“Domestic workers need to contact their employers and inform them of unknown people wanting to gain entry, and to confirm their claims with their employers before granting them access,” said Sekele.
“It is important for the domestic worker not to grant strangers access to the premises before confirming with their employers.”
The police have shared the following tips to help residents:
• For homeowners, criminals pose as people who were sent by you to either do repairs or maintenance. Please ensure clear communication with your domestic workers or gardeners if there are to be any maintenance or installations that will be done in your households.
• During the day (especially if you are alone in the house), make sure that gates are at all times closed and locked.
• Do not respond to strangers who are hooting in front of your gates if you are not expecting anyone.
• A thorough background check on potential domestic workers or gardeners for your house is recommended before employing them.
• Report any suspicious activity you take note of on the number 10111, even if it is not directly in your household or directly call the relief commander on 082 332 4875.
Sekele said they would like to warn the community that if your car was stolen, and you receive a call from someone stating that your vehicle has been recovered and you are required to pay money for a tow-truck, recovery or anything, please do not follow through and pay that money.
“It is a scam. Stolen motor vehicles are fetched from the police pound without the requirement of any payment.”
