PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A recent burglary in Plettenberg Bay has highlighted the importance of vigilance in combatting crime.

Local neighbourhood watch group Plett.Watch's Lisa Nagel said this message was brought home after a burglary in Skerry Vore Road last week.

"A very vigilant walker happened to notice an open window and a slightly open door on a property, and she rang the doorbell in an attempt to notify the owner of the property as she could hear movement in the house. No-one came to the door and she reported the incident to us when she got home," Nagel said.

"The owner of the residence in the meantime had arrived home and noticed she had been burgled. Sadly, her TV had already been removed and the suspects had gotten away."

Nagel said residents need to be vigilant, especially of strangers walking around and also open doors and windows on properties. 

"If you notice anything please report it, and it will be checked out. Let us all rather be safe than sorry. The same goes for open gates - if you notice a gate to a property that is open, let authorities know."

Nagel also advised residents to keep a record of their appliances and household equipment. 

"Please make an effort to write down the make and model and serial number of all your appliances and equipment and keep it in a safe place. If your property is stolen these numbers will assist in recovering the goods and will also assist police in identifying the owners of stolen property that they recover."

With load-shedding being implemented sporadically in recent weeks, Nagel said it is also important to ensure alarm batteries are in good condition at all times.

"During load-shedding you need to be protected and you will be in trouble if your battery is flat. Remember to lock up and activate your alarms, as load-shedding is the time criminals come out of the woodwork."

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