HOUSEBREAKERS targeted several homes and businesses in Glenwood and Morningside fleeing with cash, electronic goods and copper pipes over the past week.
Blue Security operations manager Brian Jackson said at least 10 cases of housebreaking had been reported to the company in the past week, as well as several attempted housebreakings, while car theft had also spiked in the suburbs as well as across the city.
“Housebreakers mostly gained entry into the properties during broad daylight in the early morning and in the afternoon by forcing open the front door and security gate and in one incident they jumped onto the roof to gain entry into the courtyard,” he said.
Jackson said incidents were reported in Cato Road, Maritz Road, Ferndale Avenue, Henwood Road, Musgrave Road, Windermere Road and Seventh Avenue. Items reported stolen included cash, an iPod and charger, a television, a camera, a cellphone, a laptop, copper pipes, a geyser and other valuables.
“It’s important to ensure outdoor security systems such as beams and electric fences are armed during the day when you are out as this provides an early warning system which can help to prevent further access to the property and financial loss,” he said.
Jackson added that there had also been a worrying spike in theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles with at least 16 incidents reported for the period across the city.
Two cars were stolen on the Berea, one from Queen Mary Avenue in Glenmore and another from Princess Alice Avenue in Glenwood, while in a third incident thieves broke into a car parked in Ferndale Avenue in Morningside and fled with a laptop, cellphone charger and other valuables.
“We have also had a case where a gang of eight suspects derailed a driveway gate in Marine Drive on the Bluff and stole a Toyota Fortuner and then proceeded to try and steal a second similar vehicle but were unsuccessful,” he said.
Jackson advised residents to try not to park their vehicles on the street if possible and to ensure that their gates are fitted with an anti-gate crashing kit connected to the house alarm for an early warning in case intruders tamper with the gate.
“It’s also important at this time of the year when people are focused with renewed energy on work and school routines to remain focused on security and to be sure to remove any valuables from parked vehicles since these are not safe in plain site or even in the boot,” he said.
