PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A few incidents in Plettenberg Bay over the past week have sparked concerns among local crime fighters who have urged residents to be vigilant.

Plett Watch's Lisa Nagel said one of these incidents happened on 14 August. "Early in the morning a woman had a very nasty surprise when she stopped at the Robberg and Airport roads intersection," Nagel said.

She explained that three suspects jumped out of a nearby vehicle and surrounded the local woman's car. They attempted to open the vehicle's doors.

"Fortunately her doors were locked and she drove off hastily. She reported the matter to police along with a description of the suspect's vehicle."

She further said that on 12 August a resident was woken up by a sound emanating from their roof. "They called out their security company who inspected the premises and found all in order."

But when they woke up the next morning, Nagel said, they contacted someone to inspect the roof and found a lemon on the roof. "The roof is too high for anything to have fallen off a tree onto it, so it had to have been thrown."

Nagel explained that this might be a tactic by criminals to establish if there is someone home. "Upon hearing the noise, the owner immediately switched on lights which would have alerted a potential thief that the home was occupied."

She added that a local domestic worker recently told her employer that criminals toss a bottle or other object on the roofs of potential targets.

"They watch to see if it gets removed. If not, they know that the house does not have a worker servicing it or that the homeowner is away and then target the property. We need to take note of important pointers which could save us from becoming victims of crime."

• Nagel urged residents to react to noise on their properties by switching lights on immediately and to contact their security company. "The lights will deter criminals from carrying out their nefarious deeds if they know you are aware of their presence."
• She also cautioned residents to be aware of any objects on their properties that may seem out of place. "Rather be safe than sorry."
• Motorists should ensure that their vehicle's doors are locked immediately after entering. "Ensure that your handbag, briefcase, laptop or even your phone is on the floor, hidden from plain sight or, even better, in your boot, rather than on a seat. Never stop too close to the vehicle in front of you – leave an escape route to prevent being blocked in by a vehicle behind you."
• She said if a gun is pointed at you, you should put your hands in the air and give in to the suspect's demands. "Do not make sudden movements or reach for anything, it could cost you your life."

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