Capt. Ronita van der Toorn: Be vigilant.

The notorious crowbar gang has struck Melkbosstrand. Three recent break-ins, following closely upon each other, bore the marks of this gang. The gang struck on 24 May, then again on 28 May, and on 2 June. In all three instances they managed to get away.

How it happened
According to Constable Debi Alard of Melkbosstrand police the crowbar gang were seen carting off their loot at ten minutes after midnight on 24 May. Const. Alard says, “Police members were doing patrols when they received a complaint of a break-in in Reiger Street.

The members immediately responded. On arrival they found that the front door and security gate had been forced open with a crowbar. The safe had also been forced open. The owner was contacted and confirmed that a flat screen television, laptop and US currency had been stolen. Further information received said that three unknown African males were spotted carrying a television and placing it in a silver SUV vehicle with CEM number plates on the back.”

The gang struck four days later, in Amble Way. In this instance the caretaker of the house found the security door open; once again it had been forced open with a crowbar. In this case two flat screen televisions had been stolen.
The gang struck again on 2 June, somewhere between twenty-to-seven in the morning and seven o’ clock in the evening; this time in Jansens Crescent. The owner was not at home at the time. On arrival back home, she found that her door and safety gate had been forced open with a crowbar. In this case the robbers had made off with a 40 inch flat screen television and a briefcase.

Be vigilant
Melkbosstrand Station Commander Captain Ronita van der Toorn urges residents to be vigilant. She says, “Be on the lookout for suspicious people or vehicles in your neighbourhood. It is important to be acquainted with your neighbours and to know what is happening in your street and community. Join the fight against crime by joining your local Neighbourhood Watch and Street Watch.”

People with information or video footage of the incidents can contact Melkbosstrand police on 021 553 8200 or the sector vehicle on 079 894 1640