Norkem Park SAPS believes a gang in a blue Toyota Yaris is targeting houses in Birch Acres.
The same car was spotted during house robberies on February 22 and 26.
During the house robbery on February 22 where a domestic worker was threatened and instructed to lie on the ground the car was captured on CCTV.
Spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS Capt Lesibana Molokomme said police suspect the vehicle used in the robbery is the same as the one used in Monday afternoon’s house robbery.
“Both incidents happened in Birch Acres and when victims described the vehicle used in the second incident it matched the description of that seen in the CCTV footage,” said Molokomme.
“In the first incident, a domestic worker was taking out rubbish when she realised the motorised gate had come off its rail. While she was struggling to close the gate, a blue Toyota Yaris approached and two suspects got out the vehicle and offered to help her.
“The suspects followed her to the house and broke the security gate and the front door using a pick axe. They threatened her and told her to lie on the floor as they took a speaker and plasma TV.”
In the second incident on Monday the suspects also used a pick axe to break into the house.
“The suspects broke the kitchen security gate and door and found three victims inside the house,’ explained Molokomme.
“The victims, two boys aged between 19 and 25 and a domestic worker, were told to lie on the ground and were later locked in the main bedroom.
“The suspects made off with a plasma TV, electrical appliances, jewellery and two cellphones from the victims.”
Molokomme told EXPRESS the suspects seemed to operate in a group of two or three.
“Although the vehicle in question appears in the footage, the licence plate is not clearly visible and we appeal to the community to come forward with information about the suspects, vehicle used or anything that might assist,” he said.
“We urge community members to be alert and more careful of suspicious-looking vehicles and the occupants of such vehicles. Other crimes that show an increase in the area are theft of gate motors, street robberies and assault under domestic violence.”
Anyone with information can contact Norkem Park SAPS on 011 3911 814/5 or 086 001 0111.
