admin
Crime Reporter
Police have warned of an upsurge in burglaries during the festive season following reports of eight break-ins at homes and shops in Harare on Monday night with goods worth tens of thousands of United States dollars stolen.Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tadius Chibanda said in the biggest theft, criminals broke into Gold Tech in Harare and got away with cellphones, television sets and other electrical gadgets worth US$17 940.
“The criminals gained entry by breaking a door and they stole a 32-inch television set, 12 laptops, and Samsung cellphones and tablets,” he said.
A shop owner along Charter Road lost 45 cellphones, three DVD players, a home theatre system, solar panels and electrical gadgets worth over US$8 000.
Two Greendale families who are neighbours lost goods and property worth US$1 450 to housebreakers after the thieves forced open windows.
Unknown criminals also raided a shop at Marlborough Shopping Centre and stole groceries and electrical appliances valued at US$492 while a Hatfield family lost a laptop, Nokia cellphone and clothes worth US$680.
Two families in Waterfalls also fell prey to burglars that night. Insp Chibanda urged the public to ensure that they put in adequate security measures at their homes and company premises.
He said the police had been deployed across Harare’s residential and industrial areas. Last week chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said cases of housebreaking and theft were likely to increase during the festive period.
“The public is urged to secure their homes and property,” she said. “If people are to travel, at least a trusted relative should be left at home and the police can be advised to put the house under supervision.
“Hoarding of large sums of cash and other attractive items such as jewellery at home is discouraged as robbers may pounce on unsuspecting individuals.”
Online Reporter