PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Crime fighters are urging residents to report crimes. "It is imperative that every incident of crime be reported so that accurate data can be obtained," said Lisa Nagel of Plett Watch, a local neighbourhood watch group.
"This will assist police in being able to request more staff and vehicles for our area, which will mean more protection and patrols for us."
The call comes after a series of crimes over the past month. There had been several incidents of theft out of motor vehicles in Lemongrass, Rugby Drive, Rainbow Place, Robberg Road, Rothersands, Salmack, Marine Way, and Rosheen.
There were also several burglaries and attempted burglaries in Dorothea, Plato, Montroy, Solon, Main, Anthony, Bowtie, Stableford, Beachyhead, Entaa, Dassen Island, Longstone, Flying Cloud and Robberg roads.
Over the past month, there has also been a surge of battery theft from electric gate motors.
"The installers have recommended that customers fit anti-theft brackets to avoid batteries being stolen. This will also make the gates more secure as they can then not be put into manual allowing them to be opened by hand."
Nagel said that, when opening a case with the police, people must ensure that they get the police member's name and the time they opened the case.
"Even if you are not insured, you must open a case. Often people are told that if they are not claiming from insurance, it is not necessary to open a case.
"This is wrong. In times of financial hardship, the first expenses to go are usually insurance and security. Then is the time when cases need to be investigated, all the more, in the hope that stolen goods may be retrieved."
Tips
She warned residents to ensure that alarm batteries are in working order. "As it gets colder, more electricity gets used and our electricity grid is really struggling, so load-shedding hangs over all of us. Please get your security company to service your alarm systems and check that your backup batteries are in order, including your remote and panic button batteries."
Nagel also urged residents to not go out exercising in the dark.
"Please try to change your schedule to adapt to the later sunrise in the mornings if you go for a run or walk early. Make sure you are safe and be vigilant of anyone following you," she said.
"If you think there may be an intruder on your property, turn on all your lights, inside and outside, and press your panic button to alert your security company.
"If you are outside braaiing or enjoying the autumn weather, please lock all doors into your house.
"While you are having fun outside, your house may be stripped by criminals inside.
"This includes balcony doors, your front door, garage doors, or any entrance that you cannot see from where you are in your garden."
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