adminTemba Dube Senior Reporter
HOUSE-BREAKING cases in Bulawayo have increased by about 16 percent to 2 594 between January and August this year, from 2 241 for the same period last year.The police said most of the reported cases occurred in Njube suburb. The development has prompted police in the city to intensify patrols and awareness campaigns.
In a statement yesterday, police spokesperson for Bulawayo Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo advised residents to adequately secure their property to make it more difficult for thieves to break-in.
Insp Moyo said people could erect fences or walls around their homes or, resources permitting, have razor wire on top of the wall or fence and also keep dogs.
“From January 2013 to August 2013, the province has recorded a total of 2 594 cases compared to 2 241 in the same period last year. This indicates an increase of 353 cases.
“Most cases of burglaries occur at night, although we have isolated incidents that occur during the day, particularly early in the morning. Early morning burglaries usually occur in suburbs like Njube where toilets are outside the house. As people would be bathing in preparation to go to work, criminals take advantage and sneak into the houses to steal,” said Insp Moyo.
The police spokesperson also advised residents against leaving small but valuable gadgets like laptop computers, decoders and cellphones near windows as it made it easier for thieves to use pieces of wire to “fish” them out.
“Residents should also record serial numbers of all electric gadgets and where possible put own identification marks so that if the gadgets are stolen and recovered, they can be easily identified,” he said.
Insp Moyo discouraged residents from buying goods from unregistered dealers, saying it increased chances of providing criminals with a market for stolen property.
He said it was important to leave premises under supervision of a trusted and responsible adult family member, relative or friend when going on holiday.
“Doors should be locked while windows must be closed especially at night when virtually everyone would be asleep. Lights must be switched off as keeping them on makes it easier for thieves to see inside the house and select what to steal, while the owners are asleep,” he said.
Insp Moyo said another disturbing offence in the city was that of theft from motor vehicles.
“Most of the property targeted includes laptop computers, bags containing cash or valuables and cellphones.
“We encourage motorists to lock doors and close windows whenever leaving their vehicle unattended. It also assists greatly to fit alarms on their vehicles to quickly signal any slight tampering with the vehicle,” he said.
Insp Moyo warned motorists against leaving valuables in their vehicles in full view of passersby, saying it attracted criminals who would then monitor the movements of the motorist until they got a perfect opportunity to strike.
Insp Moyo said police remained dedicated to ensuring residents were safe and called on them to continue working with the police to eradicate crime.
Online Reporter