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Barry Hertzog Park, Ncandu Park, and Amajuba Park have all been identified as burglary hotspots. This is according to Newcastle Crime Fighter Imran Ghafoor.
It is worth noting that Ghafoor collaborates closely with the local South African Police Service (SAPS) and security businesses. As a result, Ghafoor states, “At the moment, the number of burglaries in Newcastle is average. However, they will increase closer to the festive season.”
The rationale for this, Ghafoor argues, is straightforward. With lockdown restrictions relaxing, more individuals intend to travel for the holidays, leaving their homes vacant.
“So, it is extremely important to ensure before leaving, you have someone looking after your house. This may be a house sitter or a security firm hired to keep your property secure.”
Furthermore, Ghafoor emphasises that burglaries are not opportunistic in nature. Instead, criminals are experts who research the homes they want to target and have a safe house ready to hide stolen items.
According to Ghafoor, an example of this occurred in the early hours of 21 October 2021. Before fleeing with several household appliances, the perpetrators gained entry into a residence in Tielmaan Roos Lane, Barry Hertzog Park.
An operational team was immediately put in place, with informants being tasked to be on the lookout for the culprits.
The operations team comprised of the following groups:
- Crime Intelligence in Amajuba
- ISI Amajuba
- The Newcastle K9 Unit
- Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team
- RESSEC Protection.
A safe house in the Siyahlahla Informal Settlement was identified thanks to the efforts of the operations team and information provided by informants. An operation was then conducted at 1:30 am on Saturday, 23 October 2021.
As a result, various stolen items were discovered. The team recovered two flat-screen televisions and a sound system linked to the residence in Barry Hertzog Park. However, the suspect remains at large. But, Ghafoor points out that further investigations are still underway.
Concluding, Ghafoor points out that the availability of a safe house to store stolen items demonstrates the level of expertise displayed by burglars. Keeping this in mind, Ghafoor advises Newcastillians to be cautious at home, being watchful and prepared for emergencies at all times.
What are your opinions regarding the above? How is your neighbourhood protecting its residents? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
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Comments 1
Im staying in Amajuba Park, and they broke into our wendy house and stole all my husbands machinery, tools, chain saw, outside camera set( was still busy to install). This was a huge loss for us. And they even came back to try to enter again but my husband made burglar guards for the wendys windows and have installed them early enough else they wouldve stole what was left. They definitely spy on the houses to see when the house is un attended by someone. Then a few weeks back they stole my tekkies from the washing line aswell as my dads step ladder that was outside but not noticeable to anyone, but when they saw the shoes and took them from the line they saw the ladder and took it aswell. Really fed up with these thiefs, we all work hard to buy what we need and want and they just come and take…wish they want to come when we are there to give them a good lesson.. That wont be jokes!!