CPF warns house robberies, dog poisonings, muggings on the rise

A recent spike in crime in Benoni’s southern suburbs has members of the Benoni CPF on high alert.

From March 24 to April 4, 14 cases relating to mugging, dog poisoning, house break-in and robbery as well as attempted house break-in have been reported to the Benoni Police Station.

“The spike in crime, over the past two weeks is concerning,” said CPF spokesperson Stephan Lombard.

“Criminals appear to be organised and seem to have clear objectives of what they want. We urge members of the community to be vigilant especially leading up to the upcoming Easter break.”

Mugging
• A teenage boy was mugged on March 24, on the corner of Curtis and Mathers streets, Rynfield at 15:00. It is alleged the suspects were travelling in a Silver VW Polo.

• Members of AfriForum Benoni and CMS successfully detained a suspected armed robber on the corner of O’Reilly Merry Street and President Brand Road, on April 3. It is alleged the suspect stabbed a homeless man, using a pair of scissors in an attempted mugging. The victim was transported to hospital for treatment and the suspect was arrested by members of the Benoni Police Station.

• A domestic worker was held at gunpoint on April 4, on the corner of Great North Road and Celia Nestadt Street. The suspects, who were travelling in a sliver Toyota, with temporary number plates, allegedly forced the victim to withdraw money at the nearby FNB ATM.

• Two men, one of which was wearing a yellow cap, allegedly mugged a man walking on Great North Road, nearing Kei Road, Farrarmere, on April 6. The victim’s wallet and cane were stolen.

Dog poisoning
• One dog died after ingesting poison, in Ensign Avenue, Airfield, on March 26. It is suspected aldicarb (two-step) was used.

• An attempted dog poisoning was reported in Walmsley Street, Northmead, on March 29. Glass shards and black granules similar to two-step poison was found on the resident’s driveway.

• On April 1 another dog poising occurred in Kwartz Street, Farrarmere.

Armed home invasion
Three men wearing balaclavas entered a home in Olive Hill Estate, Meta Avenue, Brentwood, on April 3. The residents were tied up and numerous household items were stolen.

House break-in
• Suspects broke into an outside room at a property on Pretoria Road, Rynfield, on March 29. The suspects were disturbed, fleeing only with clothes. A tumble dryer and tools were discarded near the boundary wall.

Attempted house break-in
• Three men were seen attempting to gain entry to a home in Sonneblom Street, Northmead, at 23:30 on March 29.

• Intruders were seen inside a Clarke Street property, Rynfield at 05:00. Electrical cables at the streetlight pole as well as other poles had been cut or tampered with.

• Would-be criminals were seen jumping over the wall at a property on the corner of Sixth and Dingwall streets, Northmead, on March 29. A window was broken using a piece of wood.

• Two men tried to gain access to a home in Windermere Drive, Farrarmere, at 13:15 on April 3. The home owner sounded alarm while the intruders attempted to force the front door open. The suspects fled on foot.

• Yet another attempted house break-in was thwarted in Stokroos Street, Northmead, on April 4, at 20:18. Reaction units from AfriForum Benoni responded to a call from the home owner alleging that the suspects had broken a window and were attempting to gain access to the home.

Within minutes reaction units arrived on the scene, where the assailants fired multiple shots at the officers. The suspects fled on foot, jumping over neighbouring walls.

With the support of Benoni CPF, NoJack Vehicle Tracking, PRS Security, SuperCops Security, CMS Security, PHP Security, Eastrand Guardians Reaction channel, a drone was launched in an effort to track the assailants and the entire block was cordoned off.

Due to the severe weather conditions the drone could not locate heat signatures which may have led to their arrest.

Dog poisoning awareness
“Dog poisonings in Farrarmere, Northmead and Airfield are on the rise,” said Benoni CPF spokesperson, Stephan Lombard.

“These poisonings are usually a precursor for house break-ins and robberies and we therefore urge residents to be on the look-out for any suspicious activity throughout their neighbourhoods.”

Two-step (aldicarb) is usually used in incidence of dog poisoning.

This highly lethal substance comes in the form of black granules and is often concealed in meat products, which are flung over walls and fences.

“Dogs often warn home owners of would-be criminals attempting to gain access to their homes and valuables,” said Lombard.

“With a beloved pet and companion out of the way, criminals now have easier access to your home.”

Two-step is fast acting and symptoms may present within five to 20 minutes of ingestion.

Symptoms of poisoning:
• Vomiting
• Convulsions and/or seizures
• The animal may become comatose or paralyzed
• Bleeding from the mouth, nose and ears

If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, get them to your nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

When handling your pet take extraordinary precautions to avoid coming into contact with any of its bodily fluids to avoid secondary poisoning.

Tips to prevent dog poising:
• Check your property daily for any suspicious items, especially food or treats.

• If possible, allow your dogs to sleep inside.
Should intruders attempt to gain entry to your property you dogs could act as a hindrance from the safety of your home.

• Where possible do not let your dogs sleep or roam in the front garden.

• Do not touch or handle any suspected poisons without gloves. Place these items in a zip lock bag.

• Report any incidents of attempted dog poisoning as well as poisoning to the Benoni SAPS, your private security company as well as community groups.

Be street savvy
Muggings are becoming more prevalent and the Benoni CPF has the following tips for pedestrians.

“Investigations have revealed that items most commonly stolen during muggings include cellphones, earphones, wallets and handbags,” said Lombard.

“We urge runners, leisure walkers and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings as well as those they share the road with.”

Safety tips
• Keep your phone hidden
Avoid using your phone while walking. Keep it hidden in your pocket or bag and opt to use it once you have reached a safe location.

• Ditch the earphones
Wearing earphones could reduce your ability to hear a suspect approaching, thus distracting you from possible danger.

• Be visible
Where possible, walk in well-lit and busy areas.
Be aware of those around you.

• Keep you bags close
When walking keep your bags close to your body.
Backpacks should ideally be carried at the front against your chest and handbags across the chest and securely clasped under the arm.

• Walk in groups
Safety in numbers is a good deterrent against criminals.

• Break the routine
Criminals often look for patterns and routines before striking.
Where possible, change your route in an effort falling victim to crime.

• Trust your gut
If you suspect that you are being followed or feel unsettled, immediately change course to a safe area, such a shopping centre, filling station or by getting the attention of a fellow road-user.
Report any suspicious persons to the local authorities.

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