Be wary of those lurking at night

MALALANE – Hi-Tech Onderberg warns residents in town and surrounding areas to be on high alert for lurking criminals. This follows the apprehension of a 17-year-old boy on Monday night at Onderberg Besproeing on Rooibok Street. According to the owner of the security company, Mr Marc Haarhoff, there has been an increase in the number of alarm triggers in Malalane. “In some cases it turns out to be a positive trigger where we find a break-in in progress, and in some cases we find that there was an attempted break-in. However, there is always something,” Haarhoff explained. He added that in many cases the suspects appeared to have taken their time in watching the area and their target. “They are no longer just coming at random and attempting to break in. They come fully prepared and equipped with tools such as cutters. Some of them even know which routes to use to escape, should anything not go according to plan.” Haarhoff said suspects tend to strike late at night when they believe their victims will not be alert. “When Hi-Tech officers responded to this alarm trigger it was around 12:20. For many suspects this is the preferred time to break in. It is mostly always around 12:00 and 03:00,” Haarhoff explained. The apprehended suspect was taken to the Malelane Police Station and is expected to appear in court soon. Meanwhile Haarhoff urged residents of Nkomazi to be vigilant at all times. “Even when sitting outside during the night, you will never know who could be watching your premises.” He advised that if you had an alarm system installed at your house, always have your panic button at hand. “If you don’t have a alarm system, strongly consider investing in one,” Haarhoff added.