PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay crime fighters have warned residents to be vigilant following a spate in crime in the town over the weekend.

Lisa Nagel from Plett Watch said nine crimes were reported between 17:00 on Saturday and 06:00 on Sunday relating to incidents in the Longships/Robberg side of town. "These are only the incidents I have been made aware of," Nagel said.

"The disaster management patrollers have encountered a number of known criminals walking around on the pretext of collecting food from various people. These guys are persistent and keep returning even if they are removed from the area. They are scouting properties as they go."

She therefore implores residents not to feed these individuals. "There are various organisations that do that and if you would like to help, rather get hold of one of them and donate through the correct channels. If need be, get the person's details and ask the feeding schemes to assist them. By letting anyone come to your home, you are inviting trouble for yourself and your neighbours. These criminals are looking for opportunities wherever they go and they are not afraid to take chances."

Nagel said another burglary method has also come to their attention. "The criminal flips a switch at your generator from mains to generator, and that then turns off the power to your house if the generator is not running. They wait until your alarm battery has run flat, and then break in without the alarm going off. The criminal will also turn your electricity off at any outside electrical box that has a breaker in it."

She pleads with residents to secure their trip switches and make them tamper-proof. "Also ensure that any switches from your mains to your generator are tamper-proof as well. If your power goes off, please be extremely cautious and vigilant before you rush outside to switch on your generator. It could be a ruse to get you out of your house."

Nagel encourages residents to be extra vigilant and aware of any "strange people or movements" in their area. "Ensure you activate your alarm and keep all doors and windows locked to prevent criminals gaining entry. If you hear noises or notice intruders on your property, press your panic button and switch on all your lights. If you suspect an intruder is in your house, lock yourself in your bedroom, use your panic button and call the authorities immediately."

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