Newcastle has witnessed a surge in burglaries with nearly R173,500 in household items stolen across three separate incidents within a mere three-day period. Remarkably, each of these burglaries took place before nightfall, signalling a troubling trend in the city.
In Fairleigh, four suspects were apprehended during a daring burglary attempt, marking the first of the recent spate of incidents.
According to an official police source, the homeowner was alerted by his brother on 12 February 2024, shortly after 6 pm, about suspicious activity at his residence on Mark Street, Fairleigh. “When he arrived home, he found four men with a van loading his belongings, to the estimated value of R70 500, onto the vehicle,” said the police source, who added the Newcastle SAPS were then called to the scene
Subsequent to this incident, two more burglaries unfolded on Thursday, 14 February 2024, in Aviary Hill and Hutten Heights.
The incident in Aviary Hill took place on Houtkapper Avenue between 12:50 pm and 3:40 pm. According to the police source, the perpetrators had managed to gain access to the residence, escaping with an estimated R46 000 worth of goods.
Furthermore, the burglary in Hutten Heights took place on Ring Avenue, between the hours of 11 am and the early evening.
In this incident, the police pointed out that the perpetrators managed to force the home’s kitchen door open, before dashing off with an estimated R57 000 worth of the homeowner’s possessions.
In response to the recent burglaries, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam highlighted crucial steps for burglary victims:
- Contact Newcastle SAPS immediately to report the burglary. This enables law enforcement to investigate the crime thoroughly and assess the prevalence of such incidents in the area.
- Refrain from touching anything until the SAPS has collected fingerprints and statements.
- Private security companies should only enter the premises or handle items after the police have completed their investigation.
- Report any unusual footprints in the garden to the police for further examination.
- Maintain a record of the make, model, and serial numbers of electrical appliances and valuable equipment for investigative purposes.
As the Newcastle SAPS conducts investigations to track down the perpetrators, it’s essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard homes and communities.
What measures do you believe should be taken to address this concerning trend? Share your insights in the comment section below.
