Moot residents warned to be alert as crime soars
"Four suspects were arrested and one suspect was wounded."
Crime has been on the rise in the past few weekends in the Moot area.
In some of the cases guard dogs averted crime incidents, scaring would-be criminals away.
Kilnerpark Security (KPS) was called to a scene in 19th Avenue on Tuesday, at 01:25, after being alerted by community members about cable theft.
The five suspects set off on foot in different directions.
“Several role players provided assistance in blocking the area after shots were fired,” said KPS spokesperson Ancelize van der Kooi.
“Tracker, AfriForum, CPF members as well as members of the Moot police were at the scene.
“Four suspects were arrested and one was wounded. He was taken to Steve Biko academic hospital by Netcare 911,” said Van der Kooi.
Between Friday and Sunday, 14 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the Villieria area, including car theft and house burglaries, according to police.
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In one of the house invasions in Villieria, an owner was attacked and the suspect got away with valuables at the weekend.
Villieria police station spokesperson Captain Coba Brits advised the community to be more vigilant of their surroundings.
“The public is asked to make sure that their vehicles are well locked and that the windows are closed.
“During crime prevention patrols, we often come across vehicles parked outside yards. It takes a few minutes to drive away with a vehicle. Negligent conduct leads to criminal offences,” she said.
Brits appealed to the community not to make valuable items visible to criminals.
“People still park in areas that are very unsafe, while firearms and durable items are visible.
“Be aware of what is going on around you and look out for possible suspects who are watching you.”
Home burglaries are also a big headache for Brits and her team.
Reinhard Raschke of MCS Security said criminals’ modus operandi was to park between vehicles, open the bonnet, unlock the system and drive away with the vehicle.
“The criminals do not need any vehicle keys,” said Raschke, adding that suspects operated in a team of between three and four.
“We need better communication with the police and with each other. The crime problem in South Africa will not be solved if there is no co-operation between the local platforms.
“We need all role players – from security companies, all police forums to the public involved,” he said.
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