Property crimes rise in Table View

Reports of theft, thefts from cars, and burglaries are up in Table View, say police, and they’re warning residents to take care.

According to Table View police spokeswoman Captain Adriana Chandler, three housebreaking cases were reported within days of each other at the end of October in Table View and Parklands.

A woman from Welbeloon Farm in Table View reported her cellphone stolen in an October 26 burglary and police arrested her 26-year-old neighbour, said Captain Chandler.

Police arrested two burglary suspects following separate break-ins in Parklands and Table View on Wednesday October 30.

A 21-year-old man from Atlantis was arrested on housebreaking and theft charges after a TV was stolen from a home in Parklands.

On the same day, a 33-year-old man was arrested on a burglary charge. He is accused of breaking into a Table View home with an accomplice while a woman and her children were inside. A second suspect is still at large.

Milnerton Cluster Commander Major General Aneeqah Jordaan urged the public to take extra safety precautions during the build up to the festive season.

“Be alert whilst walking or driving and to take care of personal belongings. Anyone with information about criminal activities in their neighbourhood is urged to contact and share the information with Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

According to Captain Chandler said there are basic things the public can do to avoid falling to prey to criminals:

* When visiting a public place, such as a pub, restaurant or shopping mall, make sure your personal belongings are close to your person and not left out of sight.

* Do not leave valuable items in your vehicle. Remove all GPS devices, cash, laptops, cameras, clothing, handbags, sunglasses and any other items of value from your vehicle before parking it at a public place or at home. Make sure all your doors are locked after activating the alarm of your vehicle, before walking away.

* Attend community meetings to learn about crime hot spots; join your community police forum public meetings and become part of your local neighbourhood watch.