Spike in crime in Centurion confirmed

There have been 13 house break-ins in the past two weeks alone, according to Fidelity ADT district manager Leon Muller.

“There was also one theft and one case of motor vehicle theft reported to us,” said Muller.

Rooihuiskraal was affected, with two house break-ins and one theft of a motor vehicle, according to Muller.

And one incident in each of the following suburbs were reported: The Reeds, Lyttelton Manor, Wierda Park, Zwartkop, Highveld, Irene, and one in Die Hoewes.

“All of these crimes were reported mid-morning between 8:00 and 12:00 and early morning 01:00 to 04:00. There does not appear to be a specific modus operandi, but they are breaking through burglar bars, windows and doors.

“We noticed that in the majority of the incidents clients phoned in, which means the alarm was either not triggered, not activated or disabled.”

He said criminals are mostly opportunistic, “so if your perimeter is not secure, criminals will take advantage”.

JP le Roux, spokesperson for Monitor Net confirmed “a definitive spike in house break-ins and business robberies, but theft of gate motors increased drastically”.

“Residences and businesses in all areas are being targeted, mostly by opportunistic criminals, and during all hours of the night or day.

“The amounts of cases of missing persons reported are also higher than usual.”

Spokesperson for CopWatch, Liam van den Heever, confirmed “cases of house break-ins and trespassing are up, as well as cases of suicide and missing persons reported.”

Wierdabrug police spokesperson Sergeant Divine Nkuna said no spike in crime was noticed in their area.

“We have received many murder cases, of which the charges were mostly changed to culpable homicide, and I can confirm more cases of suicide.”

Spokesperson for Olievenhoutbosch police, sergeant Pretty Mokadi, said “we experienced a spike in house robberies, hijacking and murder.”

Muller urged residents to be extra vigilant in respect of their security.

He said basic security measures must be implemented to keep residents and their families safe, whether home or not, which include:

– Have proper perimeter security with a sturdy gate and lock

– Arm your alarm whenever you leave home

– Ensure security doors are locked at all times and the keys removed

– Arm parts of the home you are not using

– Arm garden beams while you are indoors

– Keep a panic button with you at all times

– Test your alarm and panic buttons regularly

“Please also be alert when driving in the area. If you believe you are being followed, don’t turn into your driveway but rather drive to your nearest police station, security boom or a place with activity.”

“Remember to only open your gate when you are sure it is safe to do so. Close it immediately after you have entered,” concluded Muller.

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