Residents in Monte Vista have been warned this week to be extra vigilant as a window removal syndicate is suspected to be active in the area, the local Monte Vista/Plattekloof Glen Neighbourhood Watch said.
The neighbourhood watch shared the news on their social media page this week.
Leone Pretorius, watch secretary, told TygerBurger on Thursday that the Monte Vista area was hit by three incidents on Wednesday 20 May where windows were removed to gain entry. “One of them was an armed robbery, but luckily no injuries were reported,” said Pretorius.
Pretorius said the neighbourhood watch is doing more patrols on a regular basis to try and prevent more such incidents from taking place.
She said local private security companies and nearby neighbourhood watch structures are also visible in the area and assisting them.
Pretorius said all three cases were reported to the Goodwood police.
Safety steps
Residents have been encouraged to upgrade their home security to prevent falling victims to these groups.
- Secure your aluminium window frames by pop-riveting all of them. This makes it significantly harder for criminals to quietly dismantle or remove the frames from the outside;
- Ensure you have sturdy burglar bars installed on all windows as a secondary line of defense;
- Install outside perimeter beams that are linked to and monitored by an armed response company, allowing for early detection before intruders reach your walls;
- Look into installing an interior security gate in your hallway. This creates a safe zone and prevents unauthorised access to your bedrooms at night.
The neighbourhood watch has urged residents to be vigilant, and keep an eye out for any unusual behaviour, strange vehicles, and individuals loitering in the area. They are asked to report such activity to local authorities.
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