A casual shopping trip to Cash Converters turned into a nightmare for Ms Michelle Dreyer when she was robbed of all her most valuable belongings on Sunday January 18.
According to Dreyer she parked her white Mazda B1800 in front of the store and left her laptop bag in her vehicle, as she saw that there were security guards and thought it would be safe. “I was in the store for about 10 minutes and when I returned I discovered that someone had broken the back window of my vehicle and stole all my most valuable belongings.”
Her laptop, ID book, driver’s and firearm licences, and keys were stolen. Dreyer is devastated. She believes that the culprits hang around the shop regularly and use the same modus operandi.
According to Mr Lawrence Baird, owner of Cash Converters, the safety of its customers and their property is of high importance and therefore it has security measures in place to combat criminal behaviour in and around the store.
“Unfortunately, despite the cameras and guards, criminals targeted Dreyer’s vehicle which was parked on the curb outside and stole her belongings from inside the vehicle,” Baird explained.
He adds that camera footage shows one suspect getting into the vehicle. It is unclear whether the car was locked at the time.
The guard on duty was called to assist an apparent customer who may have been an accomplice in the crime meant to divert the guard’s attention. It was in these few minutes that the robbery occurred.
“While incidents have happened in the past, they are not a common occurrence, but we urge all customers to ensure that their vehicles are locked and that no valuables are left visible inside,” Baird said. He offered his help as he hoped that any leads could assist the investigation.
Dreyer has opened a case with the police and can be contacted on 079-258-5572.
