Thieves are once again targeting the vehicles of residents at Reuven Retirement Complex and even stripped one car of all four wheels.
Since the COURIER reported (July 31) on break-ins and batteries being stolen out of cars parked on the premises of the complex, there was a lull in such activities for a while.
ALSO READ: Police to monitor Reuven after spate of car break-ins
However, these crimes escalated again.
Residents subsequently held a meeting attended by the Booysen Police Station Crime Prevention Unit. After this meeting, there was a short respite and vehicle owners felt more relaxed and secure.
Then October came along and turned into the worst month yet.
Thieves became more brazen, stealing nine car batteries.
They also stole all four wheels off William Miller’s vehicle and left it on bricks.
Miller, a 78-year-old pensioner and resident of Reuven Retirement Complex, said around 6am on October 25, a resident came to tell him that all the wheels of his vehicle had been removed.
“The news came as a great shock. I could not believe what the woman was telling me, because just a few weeks ago, my car battery was stolen. Seeing the car from a distance and how it was resting on bricks, I was saddened and thought, why must I suffer another misfortune?
“I was so disappointed, angry and fuming mad that despite having two security guards in attendance at the gates and a high security wall built around the entire complex, the thieves can enter the complex and steal whatever they need and get away without accountability.
“Some residents say it’s an outside job, while others say it’s an inside job, I don’t know what to think. My only wish is that this stealing and breaking into cars must come to an end,” said Miller.
“My wife and I desperately need the car for transport to hospital. Both of us need regular medical treatment and medication from Helen Joseph Hospital. My wife walks with difficulty, using crutches.
“It was not easy for us to replace the battery, but somehow we managed. Since the wheels were stolen, family members have been transporting me to various scrapyard dealers, wherever I am advised or directed to go. I try, but the answer is always, ‘Sorry, we don’t have any wheels for a Ford Fiesta 2002.’
“To buy a set of new wheels is beyond my means. As a pensioner, I can’t afford that much money,” said Miller, who believes God will open a door for him.
Report by: Jerry Theys
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