KNYSNA NEWS - Residents in the Hunters Home, Rexford and Fisher Haven areas have experienced a surge in burglaries in the recent past.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, an increase in burglaries was observed in Sector 2, which includes Hunters Home and Fisher Haven, but the exact numbers cannot be divulged at this stage due to internal regulations. 

"Crime statistics for the last quarter of 2023 are yet to be released," said Spies.

The increased burglary activity was highlighted at a security meeting held at Hunters Village with residents and security role players on 17 January. The meeting was prompted by increased crime in these areas.

According to a resident who attended the meeting at Hunter’s Village, statistics were provided by Allsound Security that revealed there were 56 incidents (housebreaking and theft) reported during the period 1 October last year to 8 January this year. 

Spies said that, at this stage, the police are also not at liberty to comment on statements made by other individuals who attended the meeting.

He said that a collaborative effort between members of the Garden Route District Crime Combatting Team, Knysna Police, Tsitsikamma K9, Allsound Security and the Hunters Home, Rexford and Fisher Haven Neighbourhood Watch (HRF NHW), led to the arrest of four suspects in the past week.

"The team recovered various items stolen in the area and the industrial area in possession of the trio. The possibility that they could be linked to cases reported in the area is being investigated."

Arrests

Reports available to the police indicated that on 18 January, at about 02:30, the team responded to an alert from Allsound Security at a house at Sunninghill Drive where an intruder had accosted the occupant. 

"The suspect (35) was found on the premises and taken into custody. Police also confiscated a bolt cutter found in his possession. The accused was charged with possession of suspected stolen property and burglary," said Spies..

On 20 January, at about 05:00, a 23-year-old suspect was arrested after various power tools were found in his possession in Boswerker Street in the industrial area. 

The man was unable to account for being in possession of the power tools. He is facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.

About an hour later, at about 06:00 on 20 January, Tsitsikamma K9 members responded to information about suspected stolen property and raided a house in Charlie le Vack Street, Hornlee. 

Various suspected stolen items were found. They proceeded to another address in Hornlee where a laptop was also recovered. 

"A 32-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property in connection with this discovery," Spies said.

All the arrested have made their respective court appearances. "They are currently in custody and are expected to appear again for formal bail applications later this month,” said Spies.

The investigations into the suspected stolen goods are at an advanced stage. Some of the stolen property was returned to the rightful owners. More charges would be added as the investigation continues.

Spies also said that on 22 January, the Knysna Crime Prevention Unit members raided a house in Heatherdale Street, Hornlee. 

"A woman (25) was taken into custody on a charge of possession of suspected stolen property. She is expected to make her first court appearance in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 24 January," he said.

Knysna police management had praised the forces deployed in the area during the past week for their efforts and successes.

Community police forum

The chairperson of the Knysna Community Police Forum, Cheryl Britz, welcomed the arrests and efforts to stabilise crime in the area. "It is really heart-warming to see the cooperation from all the stakeholders," she said.

"The deployment and operations conducted by the various police units are applauded. 

"We trust that these efforts will be sustained and also deployed in other areas to safeguard our communities. 

"Assistance received from the public and community safety structures should also be acknowledged."

She also thanked the various role players in the area who provided inputs on the crime situation.

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