Security companies now consider Valencia a potential crime hot spot, after two armed robberies had taken place in the area in the past month.
The most recent robbery happened on Saturday when an armed robber held up a woman in her house. According to Mr Vernon Lancaster of Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit they were called to the scene as backup by Bossies Community Justice (BCJ). Lancaster says the victim only become aware of the intruders when one was already at her bed.
One of the suspects took her purse and cellphone. The suspect got a fright when the victim screamed and let go of the cellphone and in his haste to escape let the wallet drop as well.
The security companies searched the area for more than an hour but could not track down the suspects.
The other robbery was on March 1, when a man was overpowered in his driveway in Nemezia Avenue by three armed suspects.The victim was not injured but the suspects stole cellphones and cash.
Hi-Tech Security Nelspruit, BCJ, SAPS and SAPS detective branch were quickly on the scene and searched the area. Three men were spotted running down the road. Upon their arrest it was found they had no passports or other documentation.
It was not established whether they could be linked to the robbery.
Lancaster says they try to curb crime in Valencia where they can. They have increased their patrols but urge people to activate their alarm systems. “The safest thing to do is to get an outside beam. This gives you an early warning so you can be prepared for intruders,” Lancaster says. He advises residents to keep their doors locked, windows closed and refrain from leave their homes at night.
