Burglar targets business in Church Street

A resident is fuming after a burglar broke into his business premises in the early hours of Saturday morning, February 13.

“The burglar gained access to to my business through the toilet window at 3.47am and can be seen on CCTV footage, taking his time and looking around,” said Rafik Latiff, whose business is situated in Church Street.

The suspect was in Mr Latiff’s business premises for 16 minutes and stole a battery charger, battery tester, OBD diagnostic tester, welding machine, car wash machine, a toolbox with spanner and an autocraft 24-volt booster pad.

What disturbed Mr Latiff the most, was that the security company he employed did not even notice the burglar, although the alarm was triggered.

He alleged the security company responded to the alarm and claimed everything looked clear.

However, when Mr Latiff went to work at 6am that same morning, he noticed the business’s toilet door was open.

The door was allegedly never left open, and upon checking, he saw the burglar guards had been removed. Noticing this, he checked his business’s premises and CCTV footage, discovering the theft.

Mr Latiff immediately contacted the police and the security company.

He accused the security company of negligence, but an unofficial source from the security company denied this.

“When the alarm went off, a vehicle was sent and the perimeter was checked. The burglar must have closed the toilet window behind him and nothing appeared to be broken, therefore the premises did seem clear.”

The source went as far as to say the company’s vehicles all had trackers, which could prove guards inspected the business premises.

“We did try calling the business owner when the alarm initially went off, but he did not answer. It was only at 6am, when we called again, that he answered,” the source added.

Captain Shooz Magudulela, police spokesperson, confirmed a burglary case has since been opened.

“Nobody has been arrested but if anyone has information, they can contact Colonel Khawula on 034 314 6193.”

Captain Magudulela encouraged business owners to meet their security companies at the business when their alarm was triggered.

“The owner needs to come out and open the shop, as most of the time alarms do not go off for nothing. Let the shop be searched for suspects.”

He also urged security guards to be vigilant, as burglars were more likely to break into a business between 1am and 3am.

“Security guards should never try to approach suspects, as they could be dangerous. Rather try to activate other guards and form a network so the police can apprehend the perpetrator,” he concluded.

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