PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The importance of community vigilance in rural areas was highlighted over the past week following a burglary in the Crags during which the homeowner's dogs were killed.
Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier said that the residents arrived home on Saturday to find that their home had been burgled and that their dogs had been poisoned and killed.
"The heartless criminals killed the watchdogs to gain unhindered access to the property. The house was ransacked and various goods were stolen," Olivier said.
Olivier appealed to the community that anyone with information about the incident comes forward. The informant's identity will remain confidential.
"Crime informants are essential links to the inner circles of communities. Being an informant is one of the purest forms of caring enough. It is also a known fact that criminals stoke fear in their communities with their slur 'snitches get stitches'. Fortunately, we have brave hearts in our communities that truly believe in doing the right thing."
Olivier also urged the community, especially in rural areas, to remain alert. "It is a fact that the perception of security in rural environments differs from person to person. The majority of people assume that a life in the country is idyllic and beyond the reach of criminal activity. Sadly, this is not always the case, and it is important to understand that the isolation, which is often part of such a lifestyle, has challenges of its own and a situation may arise in which people living such a lifestyle may need to defend or protect themselves, their loved ones and property."
He suggested getting to know one's neighbours. "Ensure that you have a good relationship with them, and stay in regular contact with one another. Knowing your neighbours and how to contact them may be invaluable should you be faced with criminal activity, as your neighbours are close at hand and can be called upon as first responders in a time of need."
Olivier also suggested doing checks before employing anyone.
"Do not employ workers either on a permanent or casual basis without first checking their identity documents and making contact with their previous employer to ensure that they are reliable and of good character. Bringing unaccounted and untraceable people into a rural area constitutes a danger to both your family and your neighbours."
He also urged residents to ensure adequate security measures including burglar bars on windows, doors that lock securely, effective outside security lighting and an effective alarm system.
"Always lock your gates and secure your premises during the hours of darkness."
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
