An organised housebreaking syndicate operating in Bloemfontein are reportedly poisoning guard dogs as part of their modus operandi to steal valuable from properties. The private security company, Fidelity ADT, said five incidents of house burglaries recorded in Bloemfontein accompanied the poisoning of domestic dogs.
Fidelity stated that there was an increase in burglaries in Bloemfontein’s upmarket areas (Bayswater, Noordhoek and Generaal de Wet), with incidents in the Wilgehof suburb including the poisoning of domestic dogs. This poisoning of guard dogs is in addition to syndicates’ modus operandi to also target gate motors, tampering and stealing the devices to access homes including townhouse complexes. These syndicates then sell these gate motors.
Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications for the Fidelity ADT, said a significant number of burglaries occurred in Bloemfontein during this month of September.
“Five reported incidents of dog poisoning in the Wilgehof area, on 15 September, accompanied by break-ins. It is very common that we see a spate of house robberies following incidents of dog poisoning. So we all need to work together to ensure properties are secure. Residents need to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles seen in the area to either Fidelity ADT or the police,” said Hattingh.
She said the findings revealed a negligence among homeowners in activating their alarm system. “Residents need to arm their alarms when they leave the house. In the past two weeks there have been four house break-ins where it was found that the alarm system was not armed. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and arm their alarms when leaving their homes, even if just to run a quick errand.
“Residents need to be aware that leaving your alarm unarmed presents an opportunity for criminals. What concerns us is that many people do not arm their alarm systems when leaving their home. We sometimes even come across properties where gates are left open,” said Hattingh.
