After quite a spree, a burglar is now in deep trouble following being apprehended by law enforcement authorities.
Imran Ghafoor, a member of the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team, revealed that on the night of Friday, 14 July 2023, they captured a man wanted for multiple residential breakins across Newcastle.
This arrest came after receiving valuable information, prompting swift action from the local law enforcement, which immediately assembled an operational team.
The operational team, comprising members from the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team and Optimus Protection Services, successfully located and identified the suspect in the Newcastle Central Business District (CBD). They wasted no time in apprehending him and handed him over to the detectives of the Newcastle South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ghafoor emphasised that the detained individual was wanted for various cases and that the police are currently investigating the extent of his involvement.
Despite the arrest, Ghafoor pointed out that burglaries remain a pervasive problem across Newcastle, without any specific areas being identified as hotspots.
He stressed the need for residents to enhance their security measures and remain vigilant, especially during periods of load shedding.
Echoing these concerns, Lizzy Arumugam, the spokesperson for Newcastle SAPS, confirmed that house breakins affect homes throughout the city. Whereby, she further told that one of the most frequently stolen items during these incidents are gate motors.
Although the theft of gate motors has declined in Newcastle, Arumugam acknowledged that it still poses a significant problem. The areas hit hardest by this crime wave are Lennoxton, Hutten Heights, Aviary Hill, and Pioneer Park.
Regarding house breakins in Newcastle, Arumugam said, “Our biggest worry is what happens to our homes while we are in them, and mostly when we are not present. We are always trying to find precautions and means to protect those we love and our materialistic achievements.”
While the Newcastle SAPS is actively exploring measures to combat this crime, Arumugam outlined several steps that residents can take to secure their homes:
- Memorise all emergency numbers.
- Keep your cellphone within reach, preferably in the bedroom.
- Never leave keys in gates or locks.
- Change the locks on external doors when moving into a new home or after losing or having keys stolen.
- Ensure adequate outdoor lighting. Note that leaving lights on during the day may attract the attention of thieves.
- Do not leave mail at the gate, as it indicates that nobody is home. Request a trusted neighbour or friend to monitor your property and collect mail and newspapers if you’re unavailable.
- Strategically use lighting to your advantage, keeping lights on outside when it’s dark indoors to observe activities discreetly.
- Draw curtains after dark to prevent suspects from peering into your home.
- Do not leave workers unattended in your home.
- Avoid leaving ladders unattended.
- Conduct thorough background checks before employing permanent or casual workers.
- Be cautious about discussing sensitive matters in front of staff.
- Never leave your garage, front door, or back door open or partially open, as it invites burglars.
- Refrain from automatically opening your door when someone knocks. Always ensure the person seeking entry is expected. Educate household members, including domestic workers and garden staff, about potential scams.
- Be aware that criminals occasionally impersonate police officers. To identify a legitimate police member, look for an identification card stating the member’s name, rank, service number, and photograph. Uniformed officers will have a nameplate with a police star on the badge and epaulettes indicating rank. Plainclothes officers and uniformed officers can produce identification cards, also known as appointment certificates when requested.
- A visible watchdog acts as a deterrent. If a watchdog suddenly dies under mysterious circumstances, it could be a sign of a possible burglary. Poison used to harm dogs is highly toxic to humans and should only be handled by experts.
- Keep a fully charged flashlight available at night, and have your cellphone nearby. Save all emergency numbers, including those in your phone contacts.
- If your security alarm is triggered, or you hear unusual noises or your dogs bark incessantly, switch on the outside lights and investigate with caution. Only venture outside when you’re certain it’s safe. Activate a panic button if you see an unauthorized individual on your property. Don’t hesitate to call to cancel the response if needed.
- Install security gates on doors leading from inside your house to your garage. Similarly, secure the passage leading to your bedrooms with a security gate. Familiarize yourself with fire escape routes.
- Before approaching your home entrance, whether on foot or by car, ensure your safety and check for any signs of being followed. Be vigilant of individuals loitering near the entrance or vehicles slowing down unexpectedly near your home.
- Clear your entrance of plants or obstacles that could provide hiding places for potential robbers.
- Safeguard your keys to prevent unauthorized duplication. Avoid leaving keys under doormats or in pots. Once you’ve locked your door from the inside, remove the key from the keyhole and store it in a secure location unreachable from windows.
- Establish connections and build trust with your neighbours. Inform them when going on vacation, ensuring someone keeps an eye on your property for unusual activity.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the aforementioned issues in the comment section below.
