Complexes latest burglary targets

POLOKWANE – Kobie Koetzee, a resident of a townhouse complex in Flora Park, has been a victim of burglaries twice in the past three months.

Koetzee said he believed the burglaries were being committed by people living in the complex.

“The first one happened in June and my television and sound system were stolen together with my laptop. I had to wait for my insurance to pay out and around three weeks ago, I received payment and replaced the stolen items. A week ago I was robbed again and my laptop and television were stolen again. I am convinced this means that someone knows what I have in my house, probably a neighbour,” Koetzee said.

But Kotze is not the only victim.

Residents of townhouse complexes in Flora Park who spoke to Review, some anonymously, said they had been victims of car thefts and burglaries as well as other thefts.

Many of the residents complained that they had contacted their rental agencies but due to a clause in their contracts, the agencies took no responsibility. “This means that the tenants are on their own when it comes to the repair of their property when damage occurs due to robberies,” one resident explained.

Polokwane police spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, said the police were doing more patrols in the areas and spot checks on people in the area, but when it came to the inside of a complex, it was a challenge for police as accessibility was a problem.

He gave the following advice to residents in complexes:

• Join the the local community policing forum (CPF).

• Secure homes as far as possible.

• Lock doors and close windows.

• Burglarproofing in front of windows.

• Join a security company, get an alarm and have it activated.

Ramoshaba said residents should also be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activities and people to the police and CPF.