Volunteers help curb crime in Plett
Volunteers have spent more than 150 hours patrolling the streets of Plettenberg Bay over the past two weeks in an attempt to ward off criminals.
“The true numbers of prevented incidents are difficult to determine, but we have managed to deter anywhere between six and 20 people per night coming into town in the late-night hours. Our members respond to call-outs and spend a lot of time identifying areas where criminals may hide.
“This information is invaluable when looking for perpetrators in particular areas,” said Lisa Nagel of Plett Watch, an accredited neighbourhood watch group in Plett,
She added that over the past two weeks the Plett. Watch team drove many kilometres and patrolled more than 150 hours. “Crime is definitely on the increase in Plett and we need to be very vigilant in this time. We have had numerous intruders on private property, breaking into houses and theft out of motor vehicles.”
On Monday last week, she said, they were alerted via their Whatsapp group to the theft of a baby pram from Sanctuary Beach. “A few of our Plett. Watch team members as well as Fidelity ADT armed response officers followed up and apprehended the suspect halfway up Piesang Valley.
“The suspect was transported to police, a case was opened, the suspect detained and then released on bail two days later. He has since returned to his usual spot at Sanctuary Beach, where he continues to harass and intimidate everyone in the area. He has been caught numerous times committing crimes but as people are loathed to open a case, he gets away with it.”
Later on, the same night volunteers responded to a Fidelity ADT call for backup after a burglary at Twin Rivers in Keurbooms. “Members of our team went out, checked the perimeters with Fidelity ADT and then proceeded to Poortjies lagoon to see if anyone appeared that side. Fresh footprints were noticed as well as a canoe was found pulled onto the beach. Responders also found a partially burning fire.”
After responders extinguished the fire, a search of the area was conducted and volunteers saw the fire had been relit and they found a bag of clothing stashed nearby.
The clothing and the canoe, which were found to have been stolen during the burglary, were returned to the owners the following day. “On Tuesday it was discovered that another property had been broken into at Keurbooms River Road. While the perpetrators were not caught, it was satisfying to be able to return the property to the rightful owners.”
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News