Police in Port Elizabeth are urging residents to be cautious and circumspect about their immediate surroundings after a house robbery took place at a gated estate in Lovemore Park yesterday afternoon.
It is alleged that at approximately 13:30, two suspects entered the property with their vehicle after waiting for a resident to leave through the remote-controlled gate. In this incident, they targeted a house and gained entry by breaking the door with a crowbar.
A 16-year-old was alone at home. The suspects managed to load TV sets, iPads and other household items with an estimated value of over R50 000 into the car. However, the teenager was not harmed.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that CCTV footage identifies the suspects’ vehicle as a white Toyota Corolla with no registration plates. “The vehicle waited until someone exited and thereafter jammed the closing gate which then re-opened and that’s how entry was gained,” she explained.
“Homeowners are encouraged to wait until the gate is completely closed when either entering or exiting. Always take note of any vehicle that is parked nearby or close to the gate or house, especially vehicles with no registration plates,” Naidu advised.
“Never ‘do a favour’ for any person that you do not know, to gain entry to or exit your complex. Some houses on estates are isolated or not very close to the next neighbour. Once criminals get inside, they have enough time in your home without any neighbour becoming suspicious. Homeowners in gated complexes should also be proactive and install security alarms in their homes.”
