From the Atlas Security Crime Newsletter we have picked out a couple of interesting crime incidents:
On Wednesday this week, two suspects pretended to be alarm repair technicians for a security company and tricked their way into a Hallack Road, St Georges residence.
The suspects convinced the domestic worker that they were sent to work on the burglar alarm. She opened the door and allowed them into the house. They ransacked the house and made off with an undisclosed quantity of valuables.
We all know how important home security is and how important it is to make sure that you take all the necessary steps to protect your home and your family. Not all burglars break into homes. Some will try to trick or con their way in. These are known as “distraction burglars” and will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as the Utility Companies (Electricity and Water) or the Council. They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs. The trend is to surprise the domestic worker or resident and tie them up once they’ve opened the door, then clean out the premises without interference.
Domestic workers should be informed not to open for anybody, unless prearranged with you.
Make sure in your own mind that they are who they claim to be. Beware of callers who attempt to distract you by claiming that they have something to attend to in your rear garden or somewhere that may encourage you to leave your house or business. They may have an accomplice awaiting this distraction.
More underage criminals bust by ATLAS and the Police
Two more juveniles and an adult accomplice were bust by ATLAS and the Police during a burglary at a residence in Prestwick Crescent, Greenshields Park at 10h52 on Tuesday last week.
Apparently four suspects entered the yard by lifting the electric fence with a stick. They proceeded to break a window and kicked in the burglar bars. They gained entry into the house and had free reign to gather their loot. They ransacked the house, stole a DVD player, a DSTV decoder, jewellery and an undisclosed amount of money and wrapped it all in duvet covers.
The criminals exited the house and were noticed as they scaled the wall en route to escape. ATLAS and the Police were dispatched to investigate. All the necessary authorities arrived and chased the fleeing suspects. After a short while, three of the thieves were caught in the area and all the stolen goods were recovered. Two of the suspects were confirmed to be under the age of eighteen.
One suspect managed to flee successfully, but the Police are hoping to make another arrest.
The Police are investigating a case of housebreaking.
Criminals enter Walmer home via open window, one arrested
An unlucky thug was caught in the act during a burglary at a Fordyce Road, Walmer home at 16h40 on Tuesday afternoon last week.
ATLAS received information of the burglary in progress at a non-ATLAS subscriber’s house. A Response Team was dispatched to investigate. The Police and Dog Unit were already on the scene, attending to the burglary. By that time, two of the three suspects had already fled the scene. The third unlucky thief stayed behind and was caught in the act.
They trio gained entry into the house via an open window. The arrested suspect was in possession of a stolen digital camera, jewellery and a calculator.
The suspect was taken to the Police Station and a case of theft was opened.
Swartkops armed robbers flee in owner’s Polo
Two criminals robbed an Industrial Road, Swartkops business at 12h27 on Friday last week.
The suspects arrived at the premises and demanded the staff to hand over their money and cell phones. They staff complied and handed over their valuables, including keys and remotes. The suspects fled in the owner’s grey VW Polo and made their way out of the area.
After the robbers left the shop, the staff phoned the business owner, who contacted ATLAS and the Police.
A case of armed robbery is being investigated by the Police.
Safe stolen out of Lovemore Park home
Burglars stole a safe, including its contents, from a Saffron Street, Lovemore Park residence on Friday last week.
The owner arrived home at 21h58 and noticed that his house had been burgled. He immediately contacted ATLAS to respond and to notify the Police. The criminals smashed the front window and forced open the sliding door in order to gain entry and then ransacked the entire house.
It appeared that the thieves had spent quite some time in the house, as most of the valuables were packed up and just had to be transported away.
The owner reported that his safe had been detached from the wall and was missing. It contained an undisclosed amount of money and various valuables.
A case of housebreaking was opened with the Police.
Four Mill Park residents robbed in the street after midnight
Four residents were robbed of a large sum of money while walking in Wares Road, Mill Park at 02h20 on Wednesday last week.
The four were walking down the street when a maroon Mazda stopped them. A male passenger emerged from the vehicle and punched one of the men in the face. After the altercation, the suspects demanded the residents to hand over their valuables. Among their valuables was a large sum of cash that was taken. The vehicle then sped off and disappeared out of the area.
The four victims noticed the ATLAS patrol vehicle approach them and stopped the Response Officers to report the incident. They mentioned that they would contact the Police to open a case.
Large gang robs Walmer Heights business
A gang of approximately nine criminals robbed a Buffelsfontein Road, Walmer Heights business at 14h31 on Sunday afternoon.
The gang entered the store and grabbed food and valuables and also attacked and assaulted the security guard. After they gathered their loot, they ran out of the store and split up. Some of the suspects jumped into a blue Golf and the others climbed into a white Polo and drove off.
After the incident unfolded, ATLAS was informed of the robbery and dispatched a Response Team to assist.
Police personnel were on site gathering evidence and are now investigating the incident.
Crime Snapshots:
WEDNESDAY 25 MAY 2011:
- 04:13 A business owner reported that a member of the public had run into his business in Rose Street, Central, reporting that he was chased by armed suspects in a yellow Ford Escort. The Police managed to arrest two of the suspects.
TUESDAY 24 MAY 2011:
- 07:16 A burglary was reported at a business premises in North Road, North End. The front door padlock had been cut off and the front door was forced open. Entry was gained and a computer tower was reported stolen.
- 11:18 ATLAS Armed Response Officers reported that a man had committed suicide. He shot himself in the head in the parking lot at Shark Rock Pier in Marine Drive, Summerstrand. The Police followed up on the incident.
- 12:14 A business owner reported that part of a fence had been cut at the back of the premises in Grahamstown Road, North End. No entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 12:47 A burglary was reported in Fifth Avenue, Summerstrand. The suspects entered the premises through a pedestrian gate and then entered the building through an unlocked office door. No loss was reported.
- 16:34 An armed robbery took place at a business in Rochelle Road, Adcockvale. Four suspects, armed with guns, entered the premises. They held the owner and his wife at gunpoint and then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money and a bag containing coins. The Police followed up on the incident.
- 16:41 A business owner reported a robbery in Cedar Road, Willowdene. Two suspects, armed with axes, threatened two employees and made off with their cell phones. They also managed to take a bakkie’s keys and ran into the bushes.
- 19:54 A security guard reported that he noticed four suspicious people in the yard of a business in Markman Road, Markman Industrial. ATLAS Armed Response Officers checked the area, but could not find anyone.
- 20:40 A homeowner reported an armed robbery in Draaifontein Road, Colleen Glen. The owner had taken her dog for a walk when she was approached by a suspect. He hit her in the face and she screamed for help. Her husband came outside and was threatened at gunpoint by a second suspect. While he fought with the armed suspect, his wife managed to get back inside the house and locked herself in. The husband tried to chase the suspects, but they ran away. No entry was gained into the house. The Police followed up on the incident.
MONDAY 23 MAY 2011:
- 16:20 A business owner reported that a member of the public refused to pay for petrol after filling up at a filling station in Albany Road, Central. The Police followed up on the incident.
- 16:11 A homeowner reported a burglary in Martin Road, Charlo. The suspects first attempted to gain entry through a couple of windows, but could not break the burglar bars. They then broke a window pane on the front door. Entry was gained. A small digital camera and a pair of lady’s shoes were reported stolen.
- 18:19 A member of the public reported being hijacked by an armed suspect while pulling into his driveway in Havelock Street, Central. A neighbour’s vehicle was also broken into, the rear window smashed, but no loss was reported. The Police followed up on the incident.
- 22:01 A business owner reported that a member of the public assaulted a petrol attendant at a filling station in Albany Road, Central. The petrol attendant was poked in the eye after he told the customer that there weren’t any restroom facilities available on the premises.
- 22:42 ATLAS Armed Response Officers reported an incident of domestic violence in Koringblom Street, Strelitzia. The Police followed up and the incident was resolved.
SUNDAY 22 MAY 2011:
- 07:40 A Henry Ford Road, Ferguson, resident reported that her brother had committed suicide. He had hanged himself. The ambulance and undertakers took over.
- 09:41 A homeowner reported a theft at a residence in Smallman Street, Walmer. Two suspects entered the premises and stole tyres. Two ATLAS Armed Response Officers assisted the Police in catching and arresting the suspects.
- 12:39 A homeowner in Fordyce Road, Walmer, reported that her husband had injured himself a couple of days earlier. He had broken his ribs and was struggling to breathe. An ATLAS Armed Response Officer assisted until the ambulance arrived. The man was then escorted to hospital.
- 14:31 A business owner reported a robbery at a business in Buffelsfontein Road, Walmer Heights. The security guard approached one of the suspects and was then assaulted by all of them. The robbers left the store with their stolen goods and fled. A blue Golf and a white Polo were used as getaway vehicles.
- 14:47 A robbery took place at a business in Albert Road, Walmer. One of the suspects injured himself, as blood was found on the window where they attempted to force entry. No entry was gained, but the suspects used a plank to hook a variety of goods through the window.
- 16:50 A member of the public residing in Jeffrey Street, Miramar, received a call from one of her tenants who informed her that she could not find her husband. The sixty-year-old man was found on the bed, but was not responding. Medical assistance arrived and the man was declared dead. The police and undertakers took over.
- 16:57 A fire was reported at a residence in Yvette Road, Lorraine. A pot of oil was left on the stove and caught fire. An ATLAS Armed Response Officer managed to put the fire out. No injuries were reported.
- 19:07 A business owner reported that a copper tap was stolen from his premises in Buxton Avenue, Kensington. The suspects also cut the lock of an outside room and attempted to steal a compressor.
- 19:36 A burglary was reported at a business in Crawford Street, North End. Three suspects entered the premises by climbing up a gutter and breaking a back left hand side window. ATLAS Armed Response Officers caught one of the suspects as he was trying to escape. The Police managed to arrest two suspects who were hiding in the toilet. The incident will be followed up by the Police.
- 20:22 An attempted burglary was reported at a business in Skegness Road, Summerstrand. Two suspects were caught on CCTV as they lifted the gate and entered the yard. No damage or loss was reported. The suspects were driving a blue VW Golf.
- 20:48 A homeowner reported an attempted burglary in Carstens Road, Kamma Ridge. Two suspects were seen on the roof, but they fled when the ATLAS Armed Response Officers arrived on site. No entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 21:02 A burglary was reported at a business in Strang Street, Sidwell. The suspect gained entry through the roof. ATLAS Armed Response Officers managed to arrest the suspect and recovered a flat screen monitor that was hidden in the roof. The suspect had also damaged the alarm. The Police followed up on the incident.
SATURDAY 21 MAY 2011:
- 00:05 A member of the public was found on business premises in South End. He had multiple stab wounds to the skull. ATLAS Officers assisted until the ambulance arrived.
- 01:17 A homeowner reported an attempted burglary in Pearson Street, Central. A window was opened but no entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 04:24 An ATLAS Officer reported that he had been assaulted by a member of the public who was assaulting his girlfriend at a business in Cape Road, Linton Grange. The police followed up on the incident.
- 06:15 A homeowner reported an attempted burglary in Marla Crescent, Bluewater Bay. The suspect bent the burglar bars while attempting to gain entry, but fled when he was seen. No entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 07:00 A burglary took place at a business in Albert Road, Walmer. Two windows were forced open, but no entry was gained. The suspects used a plank to hook items through the window. The business owner did not report anything stolen.
- 09:11 An attempted burglary took place at a residence in Poseidon Crescent, Bluewater Bay. Two windows were opened. No entry was gained and the homeowner could not report anything missing.
- 09:26 A business owner reported that an eight ton truck was stolen from outside the business in Kay Street, Korsten.
- 09:42 An ATLAS Armed Response Officer reported that a building in Prospect Road, Walmer was on fire. The Police and the Fire Department followed up on the incident. At the time, it could not be determined what had caused the fire.
- 09:59 A medical emergency was reported by a business owner in Ambrose Street, Sydenham. An employee had taken an overdose of pills. ATLAS Armed Response assisted until the ambulance arrived.
- 11:51 An armed robbery took place at a business in Henry Ford Road, Neave Township. The business owner confirmed that a member of the public was robbed by four armed suspects in an old bakkie. The victim reported that he was being followed and asked the security guard to close the gate behind him. The gate was not closed and he was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money. No injuries were reported.
- 12:05 A homeowner reported that a resident had fallen in Hillbrow Place, Walmer. An ATLAS Armed Response Officer assisted until the ambulance arrived.
- 13:32 A burglary was reported at premises in Kendle Street, Neave Township. It could not be determined how entry was gained. An ATLAS Officer managed to catch and arrest the suspect. They also recovered all the goods that were stolen. The Police followed up on the incident.
- 13:44 A homeowner of Clevedon Road, Central, reported an attempted burglary. A window was broken. Nothing was reported missing.
- 21:11 A business owner in Rink Street, Central, reported that members of the public were fighting on the premises. The Police followed up on the incident.
FRIDAY 20 MAY 2011:
- 10:05 A homeowner in Irvine Street, Richmond Hill, reported an attempted burglary. The front door and the side gate were forced open. It could not be confirmed whether entry was gained and nothing was reported missing.
- 12:27 An armed robbery took place at a business in Industrial Road, Swartkops. Two armed suspects entered the premises and took cell phones, remote controls and an undisclosed amount of money. The suspects made off in a grey Polo. The Police followed up on the incident.
- 13:44 ATLAS received information about an armed robbery that took place in St Benedict Street, West End. The suspects fled in a white Honda. All of the suspects were caught and arrested.
- 17:47 A member of the public suffered an epileptic seizure and a stroke in Woodpecker Street, Cotswold. Armed Response Officers assisted until the ambulance arrived.
- 18:07 A burglary was reported in Cape Road, Mill Park. The suspects removed a window and gained entry. They made off with a flat screen monitor.
- 20:03 ATLAS Armed Response Officers reported a burglary at a business in Third Avenue, Newton Park. The garage door and front gate were forced open. It could not be determined whether entry was gained or if anything had been stolen.
- 20:32 Thieves damaged a motor gate in Fordyce Road, Walmer. They removed the wires from the gate motor box.
- 21:58 A burglary was reported in Saffron Street, Lovemore Park. The thieves smashed the front window and forced the sliding door open. Entry was gained. A safe containing an undisclosed amount of money, a passport and a camera was stolen.
THURSDAY 19 MAY 2011:
- 05:35 A white Honda was reported stolen in Central. The police investigated the incident.
- @08:01 A business in Frank Street, Newton Park was burgled. A previous employee, who was in possession of a set of keys, entered the premises and took a toolbox and tools.
- 08:12 An attempted burglary in Havelock Street, Central was reported. The business owner reported that a glass door had been cracked and a lock damaged and removed. No entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 08:36 A business owner reported that when he arrived at the premises in Second Avenue, Newton Park, the windows and doors had been standing open. No loss was reported.
- 08:48 An attempted burglary was reported at a business in Schonlan Street, Uitenhage. One of the office windows was broken and the burglar bars were cut. No entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 10:34 A business owner reported that there had been an attempted burglary at the premises in Govan Mbeki Avenue, Central. No entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 15:41 A vehicle was reported having been broken into in Prospect Hill, Central. A hydraulic jack was reported stolen.
- 17:00 A homeowner in Wayfarer Close, Bluewater Bay reported that his vehicle was broken into at Moffatt On Main. An alarm, a cell phone, a GPS and gate remotes were stolen.
- 18:56 A business owner reported that a gas bottle was missing from his premises in Pickering Street, Newton Park. The cage where the gas bottles were kept, was not locked.
- 21:31 A suspect was arrested after an attempted burglary in Cape Road, Cotswold. The suspect did not gain entry into the premises and no loss was reported.
WEDNESDAY 18 MAY 2011:
- 00:45 A member of the public reported that his vehicle had been stolen in Rink Street, Central. The vehicle was later found at a business in Rink Street.
- 02:20 A robbery took place in Wares Road, Mill Park. Four people were robbed by two suspects while walking in the road. The suspects pulled up in a maroon Mazda hatchback. One of the suspects punched one of the men in the face and they made off with an undisclosed amount of money. After the robbery, the victims stopped the patrolling Armed Response Officers to inform them of the incident.
- 07:45 A member of the public reported that an elderly man had passed out in front of a premises in Santonia Street, Sanctor. An Armed Response Officer assisted until the ambulance arrived. It was later confirmed that the man had passed away.
- 08:51 A business was burgled in Marine Drive, Humewood. A wooden gate was broken, but no entry was gained and no loss was reported.
- 11:01 A Water Road, Walmer homeowner reported that his mountain bike had been stolen. The customer suspects that the domestic worker might have been involved in the theft.
- 12:07 The same Water Road, Walmer homeowner reported that he had noticed another mountain bike was missing.
- 12:18 A residence in Great West Way, Kabega Park, was burgled. The main bedroom window was smashed and entry was gained. Two cell phones were reported missing.
- 13:02 A homeowner in Willowby Crescent, Framesby reported that his wife required medical assistance. An Armed Response Officer assisted until an ambulance arrived. The ambulance transported the woman to hospital.
- 22:24 ATLAS received information that a premises in Cape Road, Mill Park had been burgled. Three suspects entered the premises through the back of the yard. All three suspects were arrested.
Alan Straton
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