PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett crime fighters are warning residents to be vigilant following an increase in home intrusions, in which weapons are used to either attack residents or threaten homeowners.
The most violent incident took place late last month, when a man was viciously attacked and robbed in his home in Zenon Street.
Lisa Nagel of the local neighbourhood watch group, Plett Watch, said the group had received reports of several residents who had either been attacked by armed suspects or threatened by weapon-wielding intruders.
"This is very concerning. Times are tough and people are desperate, so we must all be more cautious in our dealings with strangers."
She said there seems to be an influx of vagrants and loiterers in and around Plettenberg Bay.
"We need to be vigilant always. We cannot for one minute presume that if we help a person on the street, that when the going gets rough, they will protect us, or leave us alone. We can become a victim as easily as the next person, and sometimes more so, as the criminal has gained our trust and sympathy."
She added that there were many entities in Plettenberg Bay "doing a wonderful job providing and caring for the poor and destitute" people in Bitou's communities. "Rather donate to them as they will ensure that the funds, food or clothing reach those who need it."
Safety advice
Nagel gave these tips to ensure safety in your home:
• No one may come onto your property without your permission. This is trespassing and is a criminal offence. Tell the person to leave and if they do not, you are in your full right to call the police.
• Often gates are left unlocked, or open, and these opportunistic criminals walk in. If there is an open door or window, even better. They will go further into your house. If you confront them, they may threaten you or injure you with a knife or other weapon. Please do not open yourself up to any kind of criminal act. Ensure your gate is always locked.
• When you leave your house or return, check that the gate closes behind you. If anyone is lurking in the street, rather drive around the block before you open your gate.
• Once in your house, lock your security gate immediately.
• Make sure any doors leading onto balconies are locked at night and also when you are not using the balcony.
• Keep all ladders and chairs packed away, because criminals will use them to climb through upstairs windows or on to balconies.
• Close your curtains when the sun sets. Lurking criminals will watch your movements through the windows.
• If possible, activate your security beams as soon as you go into your house at night.
• Always ensure that you have your panic button at hand in case of an emergency.
• If you suspect someone is on your property at night, turn on all your lights and press your panic button.
• Listen for noises and trust your dog's instinct. Dogs will make a noise when there is a stranger nearby.
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