Dust mask ‘robbers’ target east complexes
This after two house robberies in which residents were tied up at gunpoint were reported over the weekend in a security complex.
Residents who stay in security complexes often have a false sense of security, police said this week.
This is after two house robberies were reported at the weekend in a security estate.
Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said the first incident occurred on Friday, 3 December, at around 13:00 when two unknown men dressed in grey overalls and dust masks accosted a 74-year-old man who was sitting outside his unit in a security complex in Brooklyn.
“They threatened him with a firearm and took him inside the house where his grandson was.
“The suspects tied both of them up and ransacked the house.”
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Two firearms were stolen from a safe, a television set and other items.
Weilbach said a 58-year-old resident arrived at the complex and found the main gate open and all else seemed in order.
“He parked his vehicle inside the garage and was then accosted by the same two suspects. He was taken inside the house where his son was.”
They were also tied up at gunpoint.
“The suspects took laptops, a camera, a cell phone and jewellery at this house,” said Weilbach.
The victims were not hurt during the robberies and the suspects were still at large.
Weilbach said other incidents at security complexes where the same modus operandi was used were being investigated.
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“Brooklyn SAPS warn that security complexes are not always crime-free zones. Residents are urged to still keep all doors and security gates locked at all times, even if they stay in a security complex.
“Close all windows at night before going to bed, the noise that glass makes when it breaks is a deterrent to criminals.”
She urged for proper access control and improvement outer perimeter security at residential estates.
“There is a strong need for closed-circuit television camera and alarm systems at security complexes,” she said.
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