The Brooklyn police put cuffs on two alleged robbers shortly after a student was held up in a commune.
Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said on Friday evening, 22 February at about 20:46 an 18-year-old student from the University of Pretoria was robbed inside a private commune in Brooklyn.
“Two men entered the house and threatened her with a firearm. They wanted to take her cellphone but she resisted.
“One of the suspects assaulted her and then took her laptop instead. She managed to phone her parents after the suspects left, who contacted the police on her behalf.”
Weilbach said another 20-year-old student was also robbed in one of the other rooms. They took her laptop, cellphone and wallet.
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As soon as the police arrived at the scene they were given a clear description of the suspects and their clothing.
“Police officers patrolled the area and found two men fitting the description in a nearby park,” Weilbach said.
“The suspects were searched and they were found in possession of a laptop bag. The police officers investigated further and managed to link the suspects to the crime scene.”
She said the suspects aged 46 and 23-years old would appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges of house robbery.
“We have seen an increase of crime at communes in recent weeks,” she said.
“Burglaries at student residences can often be prevented by putting a few basic security and safety measures in place.”
She said students who commune must talk to fellow tenants.
“It is important to have a common goal with regards to safety and security. Everyone must co-operate by locking the outside gates and to keep the front door, back door and security doors locked at all times.”
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She said if security measures at communes were not up to standard, tenants should talk to the landlord to upgrade security measures.
“Security measures like good fencing, strong security gates, burglar proofing in front of all the windows, outside lighting, alarms that are linked to a security company and CCTV cameras can act as deterrents for opportunistic criminals.”
It was also advisable for students to develop the habit of locking their rooms, even if they were leaving their rooms for short periods of times.
“Do not leave windows open and never leave valuables within reach of an open window. Lock all valuables away in a safe or cupboard when not in use.
“Be on the lookout for persons loitering around or suspicious vehicles in the street. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances to the police who will immediately act. Crime prevention is always better than crime detection.”
Weilbach also said student vehicles were being targeted at communes.
“Any visible loose items that are left inside a vehicle create an opportunity for would-be criminals to commit a crime.
“Students are reminded to remove all loose items from their vehicle even if it is parked inside the yard behind locked gates,” said Weilbach.
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