Women house robbers hunted
Gang of women house robbers operating in Pretoria wanted by police.
Police are on the hunt for four woman who have been robbing houses in the Pretoria Moot, Villieria, Garsfontein and Brooklyn police precincts.
The descriptions of the thieves and their modus operandi are alarmingly similar.
Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said a 57-year-old domestic worker was the latest target of a home robbery.
She was watering the garden when four women in a silver vehicle, one of whom was pregnant, approached her.
“Two of the women asked her to use the bathroom. She directed them to the outer building bathroom,” said Weilbach.
“When they returned, she opened the gate for them and the other two women also entered. One of the women then ran to the house. The domestic worker tried to stop her. The other women caught up with them and threatened the domestic worker with a firearm inside the house.”
The women took cash and a laptop.
Garsfontein police spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller said his station was investigating similar crimes.
The vehicle and description of the women matched those in the Brooklyn crimes, though this was the first time a firearm was used.
“In some of the cases, the four women go to houses that are for sale and say that they want to look around the house. One will then distract the person in the house while the others steal valuables,” said Miller.
“Other times the women will go to a house and tell the domestic worker that they are there to see the owner of the house and that they are willing to wait for the owner to return. During this time they then steal valuables as well.”
Weilbach said the education of domestic workers was vital to prevent these types of robberies.
She offered several tips for employers to protect the domestic workers and to enhance home security.
– Always inform the domestic worker if someone is scheduled to visit the residence for contract work, reading of a meter or any other purpose;
– Domestic workers must always ask for official identification to verify the identity of a person who enters the premises;
– Never open the gates or doors for anyone who does not have proof that they have been called by the employer to enter the property;
– Never leave windows or doors open that do not have security features (security doors/ burglar bars);
– Have emergency numbers and security drill procedures in a place that is easily accessible.
– Ensure that they know how the home security system works;
– Make sure that the main street corner closest to the residence is known to enable domestic workers to provide emergency personnel with accurate information;
– Be conscious of any suspicious activities around the residence such as surveillance, attempts to gain access to the residence and telephone calls or other inquiries requesting personal information;
– Advise them to be alert for details such as descriptions and licence numbers of strange vehicles.
The police call on the help of residents to assist them with information with regard to the women.
Anyone with information can call the Brooklyn police station at 012-366-1735/6 or the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
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