'Lindsay Street not targeted'

KNYSNA NEWS - The Hunters Home Residents Forum chairperson, Richard Thorpe, disagrees with The Knysna Police's allegations that Lindsay Street, where the elderly British couple Brian and Christine Davis were murdered on August 1, is one of the streets targeted by burglaries while the residents are in their homes.

Sergeant Chris Spies, spokesperson for the Knysna Police said on September 1: "A number of burglaries were reported in Hunters Home over the past week. The affected streets are Wilson Street and Lindsay Street." Spies confirmed that homes in area are being targeted while the residents are home.

Thorpe was very concerned about the police report, as published in Knysna-Plett Herald of September 3, and he wrote in an email to the Knysna-Plett Herald on September 4: "I would like to make a correction to the article in yesterday's (September 3) online Knysna-Plett Herald.

Whilst there have been break-ins in a number of streets, it is Wilson and Fraser Streets that have been targeted. There have been no break-ins in Lindsay Street, so Sergeant Spies has got his information wrong."

Spies responded, "Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention. The Knysna Police respondeded to an enquiry from you based on the information available on incidents reported. We will not respond to the remarks of Mr Thorpe."

In his original statement, Spies also said: "Perpetrators target houses while occupants are at home. They force doors, especially sliding doors, open or break windows to gain entrance to these houses. Most of the incidents reported occurred between 19:00 and 04:00."

Thorpe disagreed: "The vast majority of the break-ins have been where windows/doors were left open, doors left unlocked at night, alarm systems not activated, etcetera. In other words, a lack of basic precautions. We have pointed this out to all our neighbourhood watch members and have asked them to be alert and vigilant."

According to Spies, the suspects took cellular phones, laptops, tablets and electrical appliances. No arrests had been made by that time. "All leads are being investigated and patrols have been increased in this area."

He added that the Knysna Community Police Forum established a very effective neighbourhood watch (NHW) in this area. "Residents in this area are requested to join the NHW in order to be part of the different crime prevention initiatives that are being launched in Hunters Home."

The content of two Allsound Security newsletters, not considering reports from other security companies, indicate that residents in Hunters Home may have reason to be concerned. The newsletters report the following incidents in the area:

• A theft in Marlin Street on August 20 at 20:31;

• A burglary at Wilson Street on August 21 at 17:09;

• Theft at Marlin Street on August 23 at 21:17;

• A burglary at Duthie Drive on August 23 at 23:43;

• A burglary at Wilson Street on August 26 at 03:11;

• A burglary at Hope Street on August 30 at 00:56;

• A burglary at Fraser Street on August 30 at 02:17;

• An attempted burglary at Fraser Street on September 1 at 06:05;

• A burglary at Howard Street on September 1 at 17:22;

• An attempted burglary at Fraser Street on September 1 at 17:45.

Spies said the sector commander in Sector 2, Warrant-Officer Adam Jacobs, may be contacted at 082 522 1817.

"We want to urge the community to come forward with any information that may assist with these incidents. All information will be dealt with confidentially."

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