Early morning business burglars made away with only cigarettes after breaking into a grocery shop in Pretoria West earlier this week.
The manager of OK grocer in Danville Okkie Oosthuizen said the criminals gained entry into the shop during the early hours of Wednesday.
He said they forced the gate open, adding that it was not the first break-in at the shop.
“We have tried to sharpen our security measures, but the criminals are always one step ahead,” he said.
Community Reaction Unit member (CRU) Joey Botes said break-ins in Danville and Elandspoort were causing residents problems.
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Botes said houses were also broken into regularly.
She said water meter theft was also high in the area.
“Sometimes up to three water meters are stolen in one evening. This theft is really out of control in the area.”
She said people were also often being robbed of their cellphones at free Wi-Fi hotspots.
“Residents put themselves at risk of being robbed not only of their electronic equipment, but also of their vehicles,” Botes said.
Being unaware of one’s surroundings while working on a laptop, phone or tablet made it easier for criminals to rob residents of their belongings, she said.
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“Residents usually sit alone in a darkened vehicle with doors and windows open and the keys in the ignition,” Botes said.
“This creates soft targets for hard-core criminals.”
The Pretoria West police confirmed the issue of these crimes.
“We urge residents to remain vigilant at all times,” said spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma.
Vuma said residents should also avoid using the hotspots at night.
“These armed criminals are known to be using a private getaway car with no registration plates. There are normally three to four suspects in the vehicle,” she said.
“These criminals pretend to be people who are lost and asking for directions. As you try to explain the directions, they would rob you.”
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She said motorists should park where there were car guards and always to be aware of their surroundings.
“Residents must also make sure that all their doors and windows are properly locked and valuable items should be put in the boot of your car.”
She said people should be cautious of anyone telling them that they had a flat tyre.
“The intention can be to steal items they see inside your car,” she said.
“Try to park in locations that are well lit or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.”
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