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By Sugan Naidoo

Journalist


Robber removes roof tiles to break into home

The suspect was ready to leave with the stolen items when he was apprehended by security officers.


A neighbour watched in shock as a man removed roof tiles from the house next door in Deepvale Road, Marburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday this week, South Coast Herald reports.

According to Basil Lanka of Lazer 911, the neighbour become suspicious, and asked the man on the roof what he was doing.

“The man claimed he was fixing the roof, but the neighbour was not happy with his response and contacted the owner of the house,” said Lanka.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid said the homeowner contacted the security company. The security company responded and arrested the suspect, who was ready to leave with assorted stolen goods.

“The man was arrested, and it was discovered that he had gained entry through the roof be removing the tiles. There was also a hole in the ceiling, and the alarm wires had been cut,” said Wiid.

The man will face a charge of housebreaking, and will appear in court soon.

The robber cut a hole in the ceiling.

Police have urged the public to become more safety conscious in an effort to help fight crime in this cluster.

There are many simple guidelines that can be followed to avoid becoming a target:

  • Always tell someone you trust, perhaps a neighbour, when you are leaving and returning to your residence.
  • Change your routine from time to time.
  • Keep doors and gates locked.
  • Lights should be switched on during the night so that your premises are well lit.
  • Remove overgrown bushes and shrubs as these make it easy for criminals to hide.
  • Report suspicious vehicles, persons, activities and illegal liquor outlets to the police.

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