BURGLARS: Chinese factories targeted

“It is only a matter of time before burglars aren’t satisfied with what they get, things turn violent and burglary becomes armed robbery.”

With 10 factories allegedly targeted by burglars since the beginning of July, Alex Liu, chairperson of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said owners have reason to fear.

In June, Chinese business men voiced their concern regarding burglaries, especially after the murder of Xioming Zhang.

However, the incidents have only increased.

‘Burglaries seem to be an issue every winter, but this year it seems so much worse,” said Mr Liu.

As the burglaries increase, community members question whether their business would be next.

“I have fortunately not been burgled, but every night when I go home I am worried. If my business gets broken into and my computer is stolen, I will lose a lot of a data which is important to my work.”

While Mr Liu has escaped the clutches of criminal activity, Andy Hsu is one of the business owners who has had a run in with the prowlers.

Recently two men entered his business’ property in Marconi Drive and attempted to break in.

“They came at about 2.30am. My dad had been sleeping inside the building at the time. He was woken up by the neighbouring business’ dogs and when he looked out the window, he saw two men who were trying to break in.”

When Mr Hsu’s father yelled at the two men, they left the scene.

“They did not run though. In fact, they left calmly,” Mr Hsu said. He added this was something he found worrying as it reflected little fear of the law.

The same night, another factory was burgled and computers were stolen. The incident happened minutes after the incident at Mr Hsu’s factory.

Michael Chang, chairperson of the Taiwanese Police Friend Forum, said the fact burglaries were taking place on a weekly basis showed the importance of upping security and clamping down on crime.

Three teams, consisting of Chinese and Taiwanese businessmen, have been formed.

“It is time we stood together,” Mr Chang emphasised.

These three teams will be patrolling the industrial area in conjunction with a security company, which was hired for further protection.

“One team will be on Albert Wessels, the other on Stephenson and Guttenburg roads and the third on Marconi Drive. We want to try and assist in catching the burglars so we can hand them over to the police,” Mr Chang said.

With the three teams aiding the security company, it was hoped the additional effort would reduce the crime.

Captain Shooz Magudulela, police spokesperson, was unable to comment.

What are your views about this story?