While the Laudium CPF continues to beat its chest in arrogance, taking photos of themselves, claiming to be effective in the fight against crime, residents remain living in fear as criminals freely attack, whenever they want and whoever they want, including attacking religious places.
This follows a theft at a local Mosque, where valuable items were stolen this past Sunday evening (Oct 12), by at least three thieves pretending to be attending the Mosque for the evening prayers, at around 7:45pm. According to reports the thieves entered Masjid-ul Ansaar Mosque on Mustard Street, Laudium, in White Blocks during the evening prayer time, targeting the belongings of a group of foreign visitors, who were staying temporarily at the Mosque, during their visit to the area. As the visitors left their room for the night prayer in the Mosque, it is believed that is when the three thieves entered their room stealing a number of items including foreign currency, passports, cellphones and travel bags.
Moulana Mohammed Alli, of Masjid-ul-Ansaar told the Laudium Sun, “I heard about the theft as I was not present when it happened. From what I have learned, the thieves came to our Mosque pretending to come and pray and they took advantage of the situation, stealing several items from our visitors who had arrived from overseas. They stole passports, foreign currencies, cellphones and travel bags. This is really embarrassing for our Mosque because it gives a very bad impression to people who come here for worship and to stay temporarily during their visit. It is so upsetting to think that visitors who trusted our Mosque as a place of safety, were targeted in this way. We try to provide a welcoming and safe environment, but this incident has caused a lot of concern among both the staff and the community. I hope the police will conduct a thorough investigation so that the stolen belongings can be returned to the victims. This incident also highlights how bad crime has become in our area and it must stop before more people fall victim. It is very worrying that crimes like this can happen even in places of worship, which are supposed to be safe and respected by everyone. One of our security guards informed me that he noticed three individuals, who were not part of the normal congregation who pray at the Mosque, entering the Mosque on Sunday evening. However, because they appeared to be there to pray, the security guard did not pursue the matter further. This shows how clever and deceptive the thieves were, who even wore kurthas (Islamic dressing). They deliberately used the guise of worship to gain trust and access, which makes the incident even more serious. Our Mosque community is deeply saddened by this event. It not only affects the victims directly but also damages the reputation of our Mosque in the eyes of visitors. Security measures at the Mosque may also need to be reviewed to prevent such incidents in future. The safety of our visitors and the integrity of our Mosque are very important and we will do everything possible to ensure this does not happen again.
Security guard at the Mosque, Moosa Rashid, told the Laudium Sun, “I was on duty when the incident happened, but the thieves were very clever. I saw three new faces for the first time. They were African males, who entered the Mosque. I thought they had come to pray, more so as they were dressed in kurthas, so I did not suspect anything. I never imagined that they would take advantage of the situation and steal from our guests. It was shocking and disappointing to learn what happened afterwards. The thieves specifically targeted the belongings of the foreign visitors who were staying at the Mosque. I really hope that the police will act quickly and that the stolen items will be recovered soon. The incident has made all of us more cautious and it is a reminder that even at places of worship, we need to be vigilant.
Vegadasalam Nararn of Mustard Street told the Laudium Sun, “It seems to me that someone informed the thieves about the overseas visitors being there and the time of the prayer, like someone gave them tips or information. Crime in Laudium is extremely high and it feels like the criminals are doing whatever they want, without any fear of being caught. Residents are scared and we no longer feel safe in our own community. It is upsetting that even places meant for worship and safety are being targeted by criminals. We need more visible policing, as these thieves simply walked into the Mosque and walked freely out to wherever, carrying the items stolen, without being noticed by anyone. I just hope the police will investigate this matter thoroughly and that the thieves will be caught and sentenced so that a strong message goes out that crime does not pay in Laudium.”
targeted by criminals.