Criminals pester safe haven
Article by Candice Ludick, Knysna-Plett Herald reporter
The Plett Aid Foundation has been the target of criminals. Three tyres were stolen from one of the vehicles essential to the home-based care service provided by the foundation.
The sanctity of the foundation’s Invicta House, a refuge for abused and vulnerable women and their children, was violated on Thursday, October 13 when a hole was cut in the fence. It would appear that this is how the criminals gained entry to the property inside which said vehicle was located. Marlene Pieterse, Plettenberg Bay SAPS media liaison confirmed that a case of theft from a motor vehicle had been opened.
According Veronica Orme, Invicta House project manager, the hole was repaired the next day. She said that a small group of criminals once again gained entry to the property the following Tuesday night, October 18.
Residents said they heard the suspects walking on the roof, presumably in an attempt to steal the television signal aerial, and immediately alerted the police.
According to the residents, the police responded to the scene but the criminals returned as soon as they had left.
The residents’ security was once again compromised on Wednesday, October 19 by which time a store had been cleared and the Plett Aid Foundation vehicles were safely behind lock and key.
According to Orme, the suspects gained access to the property most likely by somehow negating the razor wire and climbing over the fence. She said that the police were alerted and these criminals once again fled the scene upon their arrival.
“Fortunately they have not come back,” said Orme.
Pieterse was unable to confirm that the police indeed responded to the latter incidents as there was no record thereof.
According to Orme, the replacement of the tyres was not covered by the Plett Aid Foundation’s vehicle insurance and it cost the organisation dearly.
Orme is hoping to raise enough funds to install a security light and panic button for the residents’ peace of mind.
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald
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