Lyttelton residents urged to be vigilant amid crime surge
Miller says robbers have two modus operandi: intimidation and smash-and-grabbing.
Motor gate thieves simply lift the gates and push them off their tracks to gain access to the motor, Lyttelton police have said.
“This is a major problem in this area and residents are getting frustrated,” said Lyttelton police station spokesperson Dave Miller.
Miller cautioned residents to be “extra cautious” following a spike in such crimes as well as muggings in the area.
“We have, however, seen how they go about stealing the gate motors and there are things residents can do to secure their motors,” said Miller.
He advised that residents install a metal bar or some sort of device to prevent thieves from getting their hands underneath the gate.
He also advised residents to invest in anti-tampering gate brackets.
Street robberies were also a common occurrence.
Miller says robbers followed two modus operandi:
– One method involved two or four suspects approaching the victim and proceeding to intimidate and threaten them until they hand over their belongings.
– In the second method, the suspects approach the victim in a car, grab the victim’s belongings and flee.
Robbery hotspots include Fountain Circle, Botha Road off the N14 and the area surrounding the Gautrain.
Miller added that most of these robberies happen early in the mornings and late afternoons when people are going to and returning from work.
He advised that, if residents planned on walking somewhere, they should do so in groups and avoid walking alone.
Smash-and-grabs remained an issue in the city and Miller said the best way to avoid this was to hide your belongings by putting them in the boot of your car.
JP le Roux of Monitor Net said his company also noted an increase in the theft of burglar alarms.
He further advised residents to keep their car windows closed and their doors locked at all times to avoid smash-and-grabs.
“We want people to be vigilant and come to us or the police with any information.
“If you see a car driving around suspiciously in your area, take down the number plate and report it to the police or your security company,” said Le Roux.
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