East house robbers target Newlands and Erasmuskloof

The Brooklyn police are investigating three house robberies that occurred in the early hours at the weekend.

Spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said security complexes in Newlands were targeted.

“On Saturday, 29 September, at about 01:15, a 26-year-old man was woken up by a gunshot at his house in Newlands,” she said.

“When he opened his bedroom door he saw his mother running for her bedroom with an unknown armed man following her.”

The suspect allegedly threatened his mother and ransacked the house.

He is said to have fled with a television set and handbag.

“A window was broken open by the suspect.”

In a separate incident on the same day, another Newlands couple were woken up when three unknown men entered their bedroom around 03:15.

One of the men was allegedly armed.

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“The couple was instructed to cover their heads while the suspects ransacked the room,” she said.

“They took a laptop, cellphones and other smaller items.”

Weilbach said they cut the fence to gain access to the complex and used the same fence to run into the bushes after the robbery.

In the early hours of Sunday, a 47-year-old man was woken up by the sound of a gunshot in Erasmuskloof.

“He called out to his wife to phone the security company,” said Weilbach.

“Later after the suspects left they discovered that a television, laptop and a wallet were stolen. A window was broken to gain entry.”

Weilbach said residents that stayed in security complexes often had a false sense of security.

She said security complexes were not always crime-free zones.

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“Residents must still keep all doors and security gates locked at all times,” she said.

“Close all windows at night before going to bed. The noise that glass makes when it breaks can be a deterrent for criminals.”

She said proper access control must be put in place and if needed, the outer perimeter security of complexes must be improved.

No arrests have been made but the police hope to make a breakthrough soon.

Anyone who has any information on crime may contact crime stop on 08600-10111 or the Brooklyn police at 012-366-1735/6. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. 

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More tips on how to stay safe in a complex:

· Outer perimeter must be inspected on a regular basis.

· There is a strong need for closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) and alarm systems at security complexes.

· Use a panic button or call the police emergency number, 10111 immediately when strange noises are heard, especially during the early morning hours.

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