Local security companies have been kept on their toes over the past few weeks as a spike in crime has hit Ballito, with various crimes occurring almost daily.
Another attempted break-in took place in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon when three men reportedly driving a blue Audi A4 targeted a home in Tarrick Drive at around midday.
The vehicle pulled into the driveway, which caught the attention of the domestic worker who was at home with the nanny and the homeowner’s eight-month-old baby.
In CCTV footage shared with the Courier by National Security, who responded to the call out, the domestic worker can be seen walking out to the gate where she spoke to one of the men.
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According to the homeowner, Verushka Pather, one of the men told the domestic worker he had a delivery for the owner.
“He told her that it was for a Mrs Naidoo and insisted he had the correct address,” said Pather.
As she walked back towards the house to phone Pather, she could hear the man attempting to lift the gate off the rails.
Two men entered the property while one stayed behind to keep watch.
“She slammed the door but was unable to lock it.
“The men were apparently pushing up against the door trying to open it, holding a gun up against the glass and threatening to shoot if she did not let them in.”
During this time the domestic worker screamed for the nanny, telling her to lock herself and the baby in the room and call for help.
Once Pather was notified she immediately contacted emergency services.
Before the men could gain access to the house they were reportedly called back to the car by the lookout, as neighbours had become suspicious.
“An Avon Hills resident, who was alerted by the commotion, gathered a few men to investigate,” said Pather.
The suspects then retreated to their car empty handed and sped off shortly before emergency services and the family arrived home.
“It is an absolute miracle my daughter was running late from school as she would have arrived home the exact time of the incident,” said Pather.
Although taken aback by the incident, she said she was so touched by the support of the community in her family’s time of need.
“One of our young neighbours even made the effort to come into our home and comfort my baby before we arrived, as both my domestic worker and nanny were traumatised.”
ANPR cameras
Despite the crime spike on the Dolphin Coast, Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Vinny Pillay said the recently installed automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras were making a big difference and were a great help to their detectives.
“We are also thankful to the private security companies and the Community Policing Forum who are assisting us with patrols and nights shifts.
“All of these factors will help in crime prevention and show a decrease in the crime statistics,” said Pillay.
WATCH: The suspects lifted the gate off the rails before attempting to enter the house.
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