Centurion homes targeted in recent robbery spike

Residents in various parts of Centurion are urged to be on high alert following a sharp rise in house robberies and break-ins in Lyttelton, Kloofsig, and Doringkloof.

Lyttelton Sector 2 CPF chairperson Merle van Staden said residents should always be cautious, as these kinds of crimes have increased in the past two weeks. She noted that the incidents have mainly occurred during the day and afternoon, with some homes occupied at the time and others left empty.

“The suspects have been known to steal high-value electronics and often take, or attempt to take, the household vehicle. In other incidents, weapons were involved, making the crimes even more dangerous,” she said.

Van Staden urged residents to be extremely vigilant and to take immediate safety measures in their homes.

“Hide your car keys in a secure, discreet location inside your home. Do not leave them near doors, windows or in plain sight,” she advised.

She told residents to lock all doors and windows, even when at home.

Van Staden emphasised the importance of alarm systems. “Activate your alarm system whenever you leave the house and even while you are at home. Those without alarm systems should consider installing one as soon as possible.”

She added that the dedicated security partners in the Lyttelton area work closely together to provide reliable, professional protection.

Van Staden warned people not to confront suspects if they witness suspicious behaviour.

“Residents’ safety comes first, and they are urged to contact their security provider or the CPF immediately instead of confronting a suspect on their own.”

She appealed for swift reporting, adding that doing so right away helps the CPF and its security partners respond quickly and effectively.

She made it clear that the CPF takes these incidents very seriously and urged the community to remain alert, proactive, and cautious.

She insisted that residents should report all crime to their local SAPS and CPF.

House break-ins and robberies have been a growing concern across Centurion recently, with police taking a proactive role in responding to violent incidents.

Last month, on September 11, four suspected house robbers were killed in a shootout with police on the N14. At the time, provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said Gauteng Highway Patrol and private security personnel tracked a vehicle linked to a spate of robberies in Tshwane South.

“Officers spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ getaway car on the R55 in Centurion and tried to stop it. The perpetrators sped off, and a chase ensued. The suspects started shooting [at] the police,” she explained.

Police retaliated and fatally shot all four suspects. Muridili said three firearms, ammunition, and housebreaking equipment were recovered from the white Hyundai, which was fitted with false registration plates. Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to 18 house robberies.

On September 4, a violent home invasion in Wierda Park ended with the death of one of the intruders. Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said a homeowner, preparing for his day, was confronted by three armed men after unlocking his kitchen door.

“The homeowner started screaming, asking why they were in his house. He reversed back to the room for safety and heard multiple gunshots. The homeowner then pulled out his firearm and started shooting back,” said Van Dyk.

One suspect was fatally shot, while the other two fled and remain at large.

Police are yet to provide Rekord with comment on how police are addressing the recent spike in break-ins and robberies in Lyttelton and surrounding areas over the past two weeks.

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