Increase in break-ins targeting gated communities sparks safety concerns
Last week, residents found suspects on a Lincoln Meade property during the early hours of the morning.
Residents of gated estates are being urged to be cautious following recent reports of burglaries in and around Lincoln Meade and nearby areas close to the N3.
Last week, residents found suspects on a Lincoln Meade property during the early hours of the morning, vehicle doors were pried open and appliances were stolen from multiple houses in one complex.
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Councillor for Hayfields and Lincoln Meade, Edith Elliot said that residents should enlist the services of a security company and inform each other of incidents in the area.
It is very important that residents are aware of what is happening in their area and be proactive in their approach and ensuring that they have security to assist them.
“Residents must alert each other of what is happening so they are able to assist each other,” said Elliot.
Pietermaritzburg Central community policing forum (CPF) chairperson Allan Werner said burglaries are more prevalent during winter.
“We urge residents to be aware of people they allow on their property to conduct work, know who you are allowing into your home and not to familiarise people with their whereabouts or the alarm system.
“Houses are being observed and burglaries occur between 2am to 5am, when thieves are aware that they have time to go and hide or sell the items that they steal from properties.
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“During power outages, criminals find a way to conduct crime as there are no streetlights. Houses are in darkness and security gates are compromised,” said Werner.
AET operations manager Charles Ntselwa said the number of incidents at gated estates is increasing. However, free standing properties remain more vulnerable.
There are incidents of petty theft like clothing being stolen from the residents washing line. There is an increase in copper pipe theft and residents are sometimes only able to report this once they arrive home.
“We have noticed that those who are picking steel off the N3 and are loitering in the area and participating in opportunistic crimes.”
“There is also great concern over passersby and waste pickers who may be monitoring homes and we often patrol on waste picking days for this reason,” said Ntselwa.
