Concerns over serious criminal incidents in Plett

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Over the past few weeks Plettenberg Bay's usually peaceful atmosphere has been marred by serious criminal incidents.

Lisa Nagel of Plett.Watch, a local neighbourhood watch group, said the series of incidents started on 3 October when an armed robbery at a petrol station in the Crags was foiled.

This thanks to a well coordinated police task force and various crime intelligence units. One suspect was fatally wounded and four others taken into custody.

Nagel said last week a local was "savagely beaten" by someone trying to break into her vehicle in broad daylight. "When she confronted him, asking him what he was doing, he ran at her, knocked her to the ground and kicked and beat her in the face and head so badly that she was admitted to hospital," Nagel said.

Police and municipal law enforcement officers detained the suspect and took him away, but he was subsequently released.

Last month, Nagel received a phone call from a very concerned mother regarding a case of drink spiking at one of the local watering holes. "The victim collapsed in the bathrooms at the club and luckily her friend was with her. She was immediately taken to hospital where she remained unconscious/drugged for ten hours before waking up," said Nagel.

Last week, a Keurboomstrand resident was overwhelmed by five robbers in her house. Nagel said the men managed to gain access to the house by removing a sliding glass door.

"They disconnected her alarm in her garage, tied her up and put her in her bedroom. The assailants got away with cash, a watch, jewellery and a knife. This type of crime is getting too close to us for comfort. We need to all be very vigilant and aware of people moving in our areas."

Just days later, Nagel was contacted by a parent who informed her that her teenage daughter had been approached by a Plett local and offered drugs as well as sexual favours with him and his girlfriend.

"Apparently, this couple has approached other friends of this teenager with the same offers. We are going into season now and the town will be full of youngsters having fun and being reckless.

"Please report any information regarding them trying their tricks with youngsters - we need to get them removed and we need to keep our children and holidaymakers safe."

Nagel said these incidents serve as a reminder to residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious to local authorities.

The occurrence of all three incidents was confirmed by the police.

A foiled robbery at a convenience store in the Crags was one of a series of serious criminal incidents over the past month in Plettenberg Bay.