Theft out of cars increases

BLUE Security has warned residents not to leave valuables in their cars following several incidents where thieves broke into cars parked inside properties on the Berea.

Burglars also derailed driveway gates and forced open burglar bars and security gates in several burglaries reported to the security company over the past week.

Blue Security managing director, Darryn le Grange, said thieves were hitting vehicles parked on properties in the early hours of the morning.

Le Grange said a gang had broken into nine cars parked on a property in Ridge Road and fled with sound equipment at around 7am in the morning.

“A member of the community watch in Glenmore shot a suspect in the leg after he allegedly broke into a car in Elgie Road. The suspect was handed over to the Umbilo SAPS. In another incident in Bellevue Road in Musgrave thieves broke into a car parked on the property and fled with cash. We urge residents not to leave valuables such as cash, cellphones and laptops lying in their cars or even locked in the boot overnight, as criminals sometimes smash a car window and then manage to break into the boot from inside the car,” he said.

Le Grange said a housebreaking was reported in Princess Alice Avenue where criminals fled with an iPad, a laptop and a notebook.

“Other housebreaking incidents were reported in Ninth Avenue in Morningside, in Davenport Road, Prains Avenue and Edmonds Road in Glenwood and in Fenniscowles Road and Umbilo Road in Umbilo,” le Grange said.

Items reported stolen included iPads, laptops, cellphones, a television, a microwave, a DVD player and clothes.

“Burglars often stake out target properties and are prepared to scale gutters and climb trees to the second floor to burgle a home. Residents are encouraged to check their properties to assess any weak security points, such as upstairs windows and balconies not secured with burglar bars or adequately covered by your home alarm system,” he said.