Daytime burglaries in Hutten Heights and Pioneer Park sparks concern

Crime rates are generating mounting concerns among Newcastle residents as burglaries continue to haunt neighbourhoods without respite.

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The alarm follows the apprehension of two more burglars on Monday morning, 11 March 2024. This time, however, the criminals were caught red-handed.

Jan van Rensburg, representing Magenta Security and serving as the Chairperson of the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) for Sectors 4 and 5 (covering Amiel Park, Hutten Heights, Pioneer Park, Aviary Hill, Signal Hill, Schuinshoogte, and Sunnyridge), told Newcastillian News that the incidents transpired before 10 am.

Van Rensburg detailed, “The first incident occurred in Mcintosh Avenue, Pioneer Park, while the second unfolded at Waterbuck Avenue, Hutten Heights.”

During the initial burglary, the perpetrator managed to infiltrate a residence, snatching several household items before an alert from Magenta Security led to the apprehension of the burglar by the response team.

The second incident witnessed vigilant residents observing a suspicious individual entering a vacant property. “I received a call and immediately dispatched a response team. The suspect was discovered in the property’s kitchen attempting to steal pipes,” Van Rensburg reported.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the apprehended suspect had pending cases against him, resulting in further legal ramifications being brought against him. However, the culprit from the first incident eluded legal consequences as the homeowner opted against filing a case.

Furthermore, Van Rensburg expressed frustration, stating, “People don’t want to open cases, as they do not want to go to court. However, not opening a case results in a waste of resources and time from law enforcement and the suspects see they are getting away with the crime.”

Highlighting a shift in burglary patterns, Van Rensburg noted an increase in daytime incidents, attributing the change to reduced loadshedding schedules during the night. “Burglaries are happening more often during the day now, as there is not so much loadshedding anymore during the night. When there was Stage 3 or Stage 4 loadshedding, the suspects would target homes during times when they knew there would be no power. This also shows how desperate suspects have become,” highlighted van Rensburg.

With burglars now opting to operate during daylight when most residents are at work, van Rensburg stressed it was essential that the community became more involved in the local CPF structures within the town and started opening cases against the perpetrators.

“Residents also need to be more vigilant of suspicious people in their areas. A man was recently spotted and photographed taking photos of homes. Suspects plan where they are going to commit a burglary, checking if there any burglar guards on windows, alarm systems and if there is a lot of movement at a house,” he explained.

In response to escalating concerns, the CPF has scheduled a community meeting for Sector 6 on Wednesday, 13 March 2024. Sector 6 encompasses Barry Hertzog Park, Amajuba Park, Ncandu Park, Arbor Park, the Industrial Area, and Hilldrop.

The meeting is earmarked for 5:30 pm at 6 Aloe Street, Arbor Park (Pappa Gs parking lot). The Newcastle CPF is encouraging residents to attend, fostering dialogue and seeking solutions to combat rising crime rates in the area.

As crime continues to grip Newcastle, community engagement remains pivotal. Share your thoughts and perspectives on the ongoing situation in the comments below.