The abandoned building that once housed Gordon’s Bay Superette has been burgled numerous times and is fast becoming an eyesore. So much so, that the owners are unsure how to go about further securing the structure.
According to the property manager, the building at 2 Onverwacht Road, has fallen to an empty shell, particularly since every fitting or all valuable parts inside have been stolen.
A resident who spoke to DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette on condition of anonymity, expressed concern on the state of the building, questioning what the owners planned to do with it, for it has become an “eyesore”.
Braam van Zyl, the current property manager, said the owners are despondent and didn’t know what to do to alleviate the state of affairs.
“Criminals break in on a weekly basis,” he said. “The steel roller-gates is not a deterrent for them, as they break right through them.”
Van Zyl admitted the problem has escalated dramatically over the past few months. “All the copper wiring inside has been stolen,” he said. “All the water taps are gone, the roof sheets have all been taken and the building is now basically a shell without a roof!”
Van Zyl added that week after week the owners have tasked him with sending out a contractor to fix the shutter gates, but a couple of days later, the repaired gates would be broken through.
“I am not pointing fingers, but the community needs to assist us and contact the police whenever they see someone stealing something from the building.”
Warrant Officer Nico Beukes, spokesperson for Strand police, confirmed no cases related to burglary or vandalism of this particular building has not been reported.
“The tenants who once manage this building left after a spate of burglaries, and because it is unsafe to manage a business under such conditions,” he pointed out.
Beukes said Strand police can, at this stage, cannot increase police visibility and patrols here, as no formal case has been laid. “If someone is caught on the premises, there would need to be a plaintiff,” said Beukes.
“It would not be sufficient grounds for an arrest and the suspect would have to be released.”
Van Zyl urged the community to be proactive, to keep an eye open and alert police to break-ins, especially if they see anyone taking anything from a building that does not belong to them.
