Another week and unfortunately more reports of crime in the Laudium/Erasmia area.
As the local police refuse to release information on general incidents of crime in the area, the Laudium Sun is dependent on local residents to keep us informed about such incidents for stats purposes, in order that we may keep the wider community informed of crime, so that residents can take the necessary precautions, wherever possible. Remember, ‘to be forewarned is to be forearmed.’ This follows information received from a resident of Erasmia regarding one of the recent incidents of crime in the area.
Despite the local police professing to patrol the area and various private security patrollers in the area, thieves managed to break-into a home on Elzine Street, this past Saturday (Feb 15). Seemingly, the gang of thieves was aware that the family was not at home at the time and broke-in, without anyone noticing the gang of at least three entering or leaving, after stealing a number of items including cash, jewellery and household items.
Homeowner Younus Mahomed explained further to the Laudium Sun, “My family and I were out for a family gathering and as such we were not at home at the time of the break-in. When we came back in the later part of the evening, we were shocked to find that our home had been ransacked, with all our cupboards and drawers open. Presumably the thieves were searching our place for valuables. I immediately checked our CCTV system and the footage showed at least three thieves entering our home and they were there between 8pm and 9pm. The thieves entered through the back of our house by breaking the kitchen door. They stole some cash, jewellery and some appliances. The high crime in Erasmia is really worrisome. It is clear that the Erasmia Police are not able to or capable of protecting the community, as we hardly see them patrolling our streets, especially at night. Also, I am not sure why the private security patrollers did not see anything, as these thieves went out with many items that they stole from our house. As a community we need to take extra measures to protect our homes and our families. I am just glad that we did not arrive earlier or we could have been confronted by the thieves.”
Neighbour, Bertus Miller who also lives on Elzine Street, told the Laudium Sun, “I heard about the break-in at our neighbour’s house, and it’s really bad. Crime is terrible, especially in this area, and I think we also need a security gate on our street. Although it might be difficult to say whether a gate system would help fight crime, I think at least it could reduce it. The police must patrol our street, especially at night. That’s when most criminals plan their crimes, especially break-ins.”
Another Elzine Street resident, Ebrahim Dawood, told the Laudium Sun, “We need protection because every day our street is becoming more and more dangerous to live in. Today, the break-in happened at my neighbour’s house, tomorrow it could happen at my house. We, as a community, must be vigilant and stand together to fight crime. We need a gate for our street, as it could help reduce break-ins and other crimes in our area. Perhaps these criminals are now coming more into our area, as the other streets are gated and they see us as easier targets.”
