East besieged by multiple break-ins and attempts

Residents in the east of Pretoria are warned to be cautious as a spate of break-ins and attempted break-ins hit the area recently.

Thursday, March 20, was a chaotic night for residents of Lynnwood Ridge, Murrayfield, Die Wilgers, and nearby areas.

Between midnight and 05:00 am, multiple break-ins, attempted break-ins, and a violent robbery occurred, according to Aris Ruyter of the Alpha Security Forum and the Garsfontein CPF.

Ruyter said at least three separate groups of criminals, operating on foot, used dark areas and overgrown bushes to evade detection.

“Despite ongoing patrols, the perpetrators managed to avoid capture multiple times.’”

Ruyter said various security forums, police and the CPF had operations and patrols for three weeks every night from 22:00-05:00, and had minimal interactions.

“However that one night, March 20, we got hit from three sides at once, and we from the community side just didn’t have the manpower, security assisted us greatly though.”

He said a series of break-ins and the violent robbery occurred in the early hours of the morning.

Breakdown of incidents:

– 01:00-03:00: Two suspects in black were spotted running in Susan Street in Die Wilgers and surrounds, with tracks found in Rosalind Road.
– 00:00-04:00: A burglary occurred in Gardenia Street, Lynnwood Ridge, with footage still being sought.
– 04:22: A burglary and attempted burglary took place at Murrayfield Mews, involving one suspect wearing a black jacket and another wearing a green jacket.
– 04:30: Two suspects were seen hiding in bushes along Camellia Avenue, using wall cutouts to conceal themselves.
– 04:45: An attempted break-in occurred at the intersection of Spitskop and Rubida Street, involving two suspects dressed in blue overalls, blue jeans and black clothing.
– 04:55: A robbery and assault of a woman took place in Camellia Street, Lynnwood Ridge, with the perpetrators wearing blue and black jackets.

Ruyter said in the worst incident, an old lady was assaulted because she screamed for help.

“She was thrown to the floor and kicked in the mouth all for just a TV, we also actually had the two suspects in custody but had to let them go as we couldn’t verify it was them at the time, and there was another call for assistance that came in.”

He said the new by-law in Johannesburg has made residents wary of sharing footage of what is happening outside of their yards.

“I foresee a huge problem for us as Alpha and the CPF throughout the area trying to do good and assisting SAPS if we can’t obtain footage from cameras that look outside of their yards.”

He explained that the two suspects who were let go due to lack of evidence were later confirmed to be responsible for the assault and break-in on Camellia Street.

“Their photos and details have been shared with SAPS and security teams throughout the area. We let them go due to lack of immediate evidence, they had to be released after an hour of interrogation.”

Ruyter added that the teams will be continuing with patrols and operations in the area, and procuring more trailcams to be placed at strategic places.

He said the current trend is that the criminals at night move on foot, and during the day vehicles are used.

Safety tips:

– Ensure your outdoor lights are working – criminals avoid well-lit areas.

– Trim overgrown bushes and shrubs – these provide hiding spots.

– Regularly test your alarms and check perimeter security.

– Secure gates, fences, and walls to prevent easy access and exits.

– Don’t park cars outside, keep vigilant.

“We are putting in the hours, sacrificing sleep and family time, and doing everything possible to keep our communities safe. But security is a team effort. We need residents to step up, look out for each other, get to know your neighbours and report anything suspicious,” said Ruyter

He said if anyone would like to assist in any way, whether through donations, contributions, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, they should reach out.

“A huge thanks to the Alpha Patrollers for the past three weeks, we constantly had guys on the road. Another huge thanks to the security companies for always being around and willing to assist even if non clients, huge shut out to Brinant, Comsafe, Eagle Watch, FADT, Kabod, Platinum, SDS and Quatro (RSE).”

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