MALVERN police detectives under the command of Capt Alvin Thomas received intelligence about an imminent house robbery in the area on Wednesday, 11 May.
“In a joint operation with Malvern detectives together with the Malvern Crime Prevention Unit, SAPS Bayview Detectives, Cluster Crime Prevention set up surveillance around the intended target. The suspect arrived and went into the property. He emerged a while later and was stopped by the police who identified themselves. The suspect drew a firearm and shots were fired. As the suspect fell to the ground,jewellery, cellphones and money fell from him. The suspect then pointed out the property that he had robbed,” explained Corporate Communication Officer W/O Radhika Marimuthu.
When the policemen arrived at the house, they found the domestic worker tied up. At the scene she pointed out the suspect who had restrained her and ransacked the property. W/O Marimuthu confirmed that a case of house robbery had been registered and is being investigated. “Further investigations revealed that the suspect had done home renovations on the property a few months before his planned house robbery,” she added.
The following hints are given in respect of house breaking and house robbery by W/O Marimuthu
– When employing contractors who have staff, always ensure that they have traceable references for their employees. Copies of identification documents in their files will be an added advantage.
– CCTV footage, beams, alarm systems and remote panics are essential in safeguarding a person and their property.
– Avoid tall trees and shrubbery around the borders and entrances of your home.
– Change your travel routes to and from home.
– Always check the driveway and surroundings of your home before driving in.
– If suspicious vehicles or persons are sighted, drive on, if possible to the nearest police station.
– Activate house alarms before leaving and at night.
– Always close all windows and lock all doors.
– If going away ask a neighbour or friend to switch the lights on and off as well as pick up mail.
– Do not leave an away on vacation message on your answering service.
– Don’t leave keys hanging on your doors or on hooks where they can be fished out easily.
– Never leave tools lying around in your garden as these can be used as weapons or to break in.
– Pay attention to barking dogs as they can make you aware of a crime in progress.
– Always keep your remote panic button close to you at night as you can alert your security company easily in the event of danger.
SAPS Malvern can be contacted on 031 489 9619 or 489 9620.
