Port Elizabeth: MyPE - Suspects Come Back for Round 2 and Lose, Again

www.MyPE.co.za: From the Atlas Security Crime Newsletter we have picked out a couple of interesting crime incidents:

At 13h19 on Tuesday afternoon last week, a group of burglars tried to break into a Victoria Park Drive, Walmer residence for the second time, but were stopped in their tracks by the homeowner's father.

The owner's father, who lives next door, heard the gates rattling outside and went to investigate. When he got outside, he noticed that the knife-wielding suspects were trying to break down his son's gate. The elderly man shouted at them in the hope that they would run away.

The thugs left what they were busy doing, approached the resident and tried to stab him. Luckily he was armed with pepper spray and managed to spray the criminals.

The suspects fled in the direction of the cemetery. The homeowner's father gave the police a description of the suspects and a case of attempted burglary was opened.

Mark, the homeowner, shares his experience; "The same culprits returned on Tuesday of this week (20 July 2010) and attempted to get into our house again - they were confronted and hauled out 50cm daggers threatening to kill my father-in-law who had apprehended them. They ran off pursued by SAPS and Security Company, but got away. One of the perps was positively identified as one "Scarface" (delightful)... who is wanted on housebreaking and also attempted murder investigations. Many thanks."

Citizens arrest in Linkside

A Bibury Avenue, Linkside homeowner caught a suspect in his yard on Wednesday afternoon last week, shortly after at 14h00.

The owner was at home at the time when he heard scuffling in his yard and went to find the reason for the noise. When he got outside, he saw an unknown man running in his back yard, carrying two bags. The owner knew that it was a burglar and immediately phoned ATLAS to send a Response Vehicle to his house and also contacted his neighbours to inform them of the incident.

The Response Officers arrived and found that the man had broken into the neighbour's back room and had stolen two bags filled with alcohol and power tools. The thief thought he could flee the scene undetected by jumping over the walls, but was stopped in his tracks by the homeowner.

The victim of the crime has opened a case with the police, who will investigate.

Armed men in white Polo seen in Newton Park

A security guard at a Willet Street, Newton Park business requested ATLAS and the police to be despatched when he noticed a suspicious white Polo stop at the premises at 20h16 on Wednesday last week.

The guard was on patrol at the back of the premises when he saw the car stop outside the front of the building. Four occupants climbed out of the vehicle. The driver remained in the car and drove off after a while. The guard noticed that two of the men were armed with firearms and immediately called ATLAS and the police. On arrival, the security teams split up and thoroughly searched the area. They could not find any trace of the men and no entry was gained into the premises.

The alert guard remembered the vehicle's registration number and the police confirmed that the number provided does not exist. ATLAS and the police patrolled the area for the remainder of the evening but did not spot the car.

Afternoon house robbery in Newton Park

ATLAS Armed Response Officers were despatched to a residence in Cecil Street, Newton Park after an armed robbery unfolded at 14h07 on Thursday afternoon.

Two young suspects allegedly entered the property and went straight to the back yard. They were at the back for a long while and were later joined by a third robber. The three suspects came out of the yard and speedily made their getaway in the direction of Walmer.

After the robbery had taken place, the victim called her neighbours and informed them of the incident. The neighbours immediately called ATLAS and the police for backup and to respond to the crime scene.

The woman reported that three young intruders entered her house and proceeded to terrorise and assault her. They tried to tie her up before making off with her jewellery, cell phone and money. The victim and the eyewitnesses gave a description of the trio to ATLAS and the police dog unit, who together initiated a search party with the assistance of a police chopper.

They combed the Walmer area and focused on Dodds Farm. The police apprehended two suspects but they did not fit the description. However the arrested suspects were found to be involved in a differed burglary that took place in the Linkside area the same day.

Police are investigating a case of house robbery.

Male flasher arrested in Glendinningvale

A member of the public alerted ATLAS to a man who was flashing to the public in Conyngham Road, Glendinningvale just before 18h00 on Thursday evening last week.

An ATLAS Response Officer found the foolish man on the corner of Kestell Street and Conyngham Road where he continued to streak.

The Officer apprehended the man and the police took him away for questioning.

Unlatched window gives criminals free access

An unlatched window at a business in Lennox Street, Glendinningvale provided burglars with easy access to the property at around 23h35 on Thursday evening.

ATLAS Armed Response Officers were despatched after alarm signals were received from the business. A few response vehicles arrived and surrounded the large building. The police dog unit was also called to the scene and together they combed the area searching for the suspects. After inspecting the property, they found that the suspects had already managed to escape with their loot.

The criminals had popped open a window that was not latched properly and had gained access. They made off with a 42" plasma screen TV, an empty cash box and an LCD screen. They tried to take another TV, but struggled to dismount it from the wall.

A case of burglary was opened and the police are investigating.

Armed Robbery in Korsten

A Highfield Road, Korsten business owner was robbed by two armed men at 20h28 on Friday evening.

According to an eyewitness, the gunmen, driving a white Toyota Corolla, cruised around the vicinity of the business and eventually parked their car around the corner from the shop and got out. They forced open the security lock on the door, barged into the shop and proceeded to threaten the owner with their firearms.

They went behind the counter and demanded the owner to hand over the money in the shop, R2500 airtime and his cell phone. After they gathered their loot, they hit the owner over the head, leaving him with a laceration above his ear.

The partners in crime ran back to their car and fled. The owner pressed his panic button after the armed robbery, alerting ATLAS and the police. An ambulance arrived to treat the man's wounds and injuries.

An eyewitness issued the police with the vehicle's registration number and the police fingerprint forensic team also arrived on the scene. A case of armed robbery was opened and the police are investigating.

Homeowner sleeps while burglars ransack home

On Sunday just before 03h30, a Woodhead Drive, Humewood resident summonsed ATLAS Armed Response to a burglary in their complex. It was found that the suspects had cut the fence at the back of the complex to gain access and then targeted a unit to break into. The suspects carefully removed a window in the TV room area to gain access, so as not to alert the sleeping. Unfortunately the unit was not protected by an alarm and the suspects had free reign inside until, it seems, they were disturbed and fled with the TV and other undisclosed items.

It is not yet clear how the complex management were alerted of the break-in, but they pressed the remote panic button that is used by the receptionist at the premises to alert ATLAS.

A case of housebreaking is being investigated.

Security guard dies of smoke inhalation after making a fire in the guardhouse

During the early hours of Sunday morning, a security guard died in his guardhouse at an Old Grahamstown Road, Deal Party business.

The guard decided to make a fire in a bucket and brought the bucket into the guardhouse to keep him warm for the remainder of his shift. He closed the door and all the windows, allowing no ventilation.

At 04h00 the patrolling guard had made his last entry into his report book and between then and 06h00 he succumbed to the fumes.

At 06h00 another security guard came on duty and found his colleague passed out in the guardhouse. He pressed his panic button alerting ATLAS to be despatched to the emergency. An ambulance and the police were also sent to the scene.

The Response Officers arrived within minutes and immediately tried to resuscitate the man but he had already died on the scene.

Be Warned!! Computer/Laptop theft on the rise in the Metro

Over the last few weeks the ATLAS Crime Newsletter has contained a few stories about computer/laptop theft, but this last week alone has seen 11 reported incidences where computers and/or laptops have been stolen. Even though computer theft has been a problem that has also affected industrialised countries around the world, it is now beginning to reach epidemic proportions in South Africa, with the majority of criminal syndicates linked to these crimes.

The reason for this is that computers and laptops are easily accessible and easy to dispose of on the illegal market, especially across the borders in developing Third World countries. Laptops are small, valuable, can be removed quickly and can be easily hidden.

Along with laptop and computer theft, comes the threat of violence, as seen in one incident this week where a woman was followed into her business and held at knifepoint until she handed over her laptop. So it is no longer only about taking precautions to safeguard your equipment, but also to protect human life.

Unfortunately, businesses are seen as "soft targets" for these syndicates, as computers are replaced within days of the theft to ensure the ongoing operation of the business. The cost of a stolen laptop or computer is greater than the initial replacement cost; it is also the cost of peripherals such as modems and network cards, installed software, the cost of configuring and loading replacement software and the cost of lost time for the business/laptop owner while the computer is being replaced. An even greater cost is the potential exposure and liability that results from lost confidential corporate and client information.

ATLAS supports the PE Radio Controlled Model Air Show

The annual PE Radio Controlled Model Air Show is set to take place on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 01 August 2010 at the PERF club. This fun-filled family event will start at 09h00 each day. There will be an admission fee of R20.00 for adults and R10.00 for children or R50.00 per vehicle. Food and refreshments will be on sale, so bring along the whole family for a great day out.

Neighbourhood Watch Contacts:

Framesby Neighbourhood Watch: Danie 083-654-5764, Dirk 082-570-0328
Fernglen Community Watch: Contact Corrie Meyer 0832709895 or Ken Jack 0845108691
Garden Suburb Crime Forum: This area includes Lorraine, Lorraine Manor, Kamma Park, Kamma Heights, Goldwater, Woodlands, Weybridge Park, Kragga Kamma Park and Hancorn. Contact Glenn Scheepers on 084-288-0594 for more information.
Greenbushes/Waterkloof Neighbourhood watch: D Thomas 082-968-6984 or 041 372 2310 or donthom[at]telkomsa.net. You can also contact Wilhelm Puchert on 082-473-0084 or Jeffrey Slater on 084-504-2526
Mount Croix area: Jacquie 083-740-9734 or 041-373-5015 jacquieb[at]lantic.net
Millard Grange (Incorporating Glendinningvale and Parsons Hill): Tim mgcfpost[at]inconsult.co.za or call 082-781-1770.
Mount Pleasant: Residents from Mount Pleasant East (Rhodes St. east to Glendore-Genadendal) can contact Edward on 078-114-1669. Mount Pleasant West (Rhodes St. west to Boundary Lane) can contact Donald on 082-320-9990
Redhouse Weekend Neighbourhood Watch: David 041-463-2734 and 082-411-7429
South End Community Watch: Karen Karen[at]xtremeacademy.co.za or call 082-320-3154
Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch: Clifford 041-583-2541 or 072-306-8812
Sydenham Neighbourhood Watch: Maureen Viviers 082-868-7930 or Noleen Dippenaar 083-489-4093
Westering Neighbourhood Watch: Nigel Fitt neighbourhoodwatch[at]westering.za.net or 082-747-1471

Crime Snapshot

This is the list of incidents reported to Atlas Security over the past week. Bearing in mind that a portion of these incidents are not related to Atlas Security:

TUESDAY 20 JULY 2010:

02:30 A business in Cottrel Street, Korsten was burgled. The suspects forced open the front gate and smashed a window. The client was not sure whether entry was gained and could not identify whether anything was stolen.
05:27 A business in Kempston Road, Sidwell was burgled. The suspects entered through the front roller shutter door and stole machinery.
05:37 The Response Officers attended to a medical emergency at a business in Biggar Street, Miramar. One of the employees was suffering from lower back pain and was taken to hospital by the ambulance.
08:00 A business in Havelock Street, Central was burgled. The suspects broke a window and gained entry. They stole two plasma screen TV's, a computer tower and two flat screen monitors.
09:05 A residence in Fordyce Road, Walmer had an attempted burglary. While patrolling, the Response Officer noticed suspects leaving the yard with a wheelbarrow filled with scrap metal. He chased the suspects, who dropped the goods and fled. The Officer found that they forced open the inter-leading door but no entry was gained into the main premises.
13:03 Two suspects stole chocolates from a store in Rink Street, Central. The owner caught them and gave them a warning.
13:19 A residence in Victoria Park Drive, Walmer had an attempted burglary. A neighbour reported that thieves were busy breaking into the premises next door. The suspects broke the gates and were then chased by the neighbour, who managed to subdue one of the suspects - who was armed with a knife - with pepper spray. No entry was gained into the premises.
14:15 A residence in Neville Street, Westering was burgled. The suspects forced open the security gate, broke a window and forced open the roller door to gain entry. They ransacked the house and made off with a DVD player, an amplifier, power tools and meat.
22:51 A fire started inside a business in Main Road, Despatch. The owner reported that plastic was burning. The police and fire department attended to the incident. Little damage was caused to the building.
23:38 A business in Torquay Avenue, Summerstrand was burgled. The suspects forced open the front door and gained entry.

WEDNESDAY 21 JULY 2010:

00:14 A business in Kurland Road, Perseverance was burgled. The security guard reported that four to eight suspects cut the fence and entered the yard. They tried to steal scrap metal. The Response Officers managed to arrest one of them.
06:57 A thief stole R120 from a residence in Wilcock Circle, Sydenham. The suspect jumped over the wall and fled.
08:13 A business in Military Road, Central was burgled. The suspects forced open the office window and bent the burglar bars. A flat screen monitor, a laptop and petty cash were stolen.
11:02 A residence in Patensie Street, Bridgemeade was burgled. The suspects broke through the garage window.
14:17 A Bibury Avenue, Linkside resident caught a suspect that jumped into his yard. The suspect broke into the back room and stole alcohol and power tools. The police and ATLAS arrived and arrested the suspect.
16:14 A business in West Street, Newton Park was burgled. The suspects entered through the back bottom door while the owner was inside. When the owner returned from the bathroom and noticed the suspect, a scuffle ensued and the suspect fled empty-handed.
20:16 A security guard in Willet Street, Newton Park reported that a white Polo with four suspects stopped outside the premises. Two of the suspects, armed with firearms, got out of the car. The police and ATLAS arrived and checked the area, but could not find the suspects.

THURSDAY 22 JULY 2010:

00:31 A business in Mangold Street, Newton Park was burgled. The suspects smashed the window close to the door but no entry was gained. They pulled a plasma screen TV and alcohol through the window.
01:10 An attempted suicide took place at a residence in Macon Road, Lorraine. A 42 year old woman had taken an overdose of pills. The Response Officers assisted until the ambulance arrived to take her to hospital.
01:51 A business in Mangold Street, Newton Park was burgled. While the Response Officers were attending to another burglary in the street, they noticed that a suspect was busy breaking into the business. The suspects stole computers and laptops. This is not an ATLAS client.
05:47 A residence in Strandfontein Road, Summerstrand was burgled. While the Response Officers were on patrol, they noticed the police outside the premises. Suspects had broken through the bedroom window and had stolen a laptop. This is not an ATLAS client.
06:45 A business in Parliament Street, Central was burgled. The suspects broke a window and gained entry. A flat screen monitor was stolen from the premises.
07:46 A business in Cape Road, Westering was burgled. The suspects broke through the roof and stole a dummy safe.
08:38 An armed robbery took place at a business in Govan Mbeki Avenue, North End. According to an eyewitness, two suspects followed the owner as she entered the business. They held her at knifepoint and stole a laptop.
08:46 The Response Officers attended to a medical emergency at a residence in Mill Park Road, Mill Park. The owner's domestic worker had gone into labour. They assisted and stabilised the pregnant woman and the owner took her to hospital.
13:18 Three suspects were trespassing at a residence in Neville Street, Westering. The domestic worker reported that she saw three suspects in the yard when she went to investigate why the dogs were barking frantically. The suspects fled when they saw the domestic.
14:07 A house robbery took place at a premises in Cecil Street, Newton Park. According to an eyewitness, two suspects walked past the house and returned. After a short while, a third suspect joined the two and they entered the house. The suspects assaulted the elderly homeowner and tied her up. They stole jewellery, cell phones and money. The police arrested two suspects, but after investigating, it was confirmed that they were not the perpetrators of this particular crime, but had been, however, involved in another burglary.
17:48 A resident in Conyngham Road, Glendinningvale reported that she had seen a man flashing at them. The Response Officers were despatched and found and arrested the streaker.
23:05 The Response Officers attended to a medical emergency at a residence in Belfast Drive, Fernglen. The owner had fallen and broken her knee. They assisted until the ambulance arrived. Later that evening, the owner's sister fainted and the Response Officers provided assistance again.
23:37 A business in Lennox Street, Glendinningvale was burgled. The suspects entered through an unlatched window with no burglar bars. They stole a plasma screen TV and an LCD screen.

FRIDAY 23 JULY 2010:

02:57 A business in Seventh Avenue, Walmer was burgled. The suspects made a hole in the window close to the latch. As the Response Officers arrived, the two suspects fled. The Response Officers managed to arrest one of the suspects.
05:18 A business in Alfred Terrace, Central was burgled. The suspects kicked in a window and bent the burglar bars. They stole a computer screen and tower.
07:29 A business in Kwaford Road, Struandale had an attempted burglary. The suspects smashed two front windows but no entry was gained.
14:55 A thief stole a red mountain bike that was parked outside a business in Retief Plein, Summerstrand.
15:13 A group of people caused trouble at a business in Admiralty Way, Summerstrand. The people were drunk and ransacked the business. They drove off in a white Isuzu bakkie. The police caught and arrested them for drunk driving and damaging property.
20:28 An armed robbery took place at a business in Highfield Road, Korsten. Two males entered the premises by forcing open the security lock. One of them threatened the owner with a gun and hit him over the head. They made off with an undisclosed amount of money and airtime and fled the scene in a white Toyota Corolla.

SATURDAY 24 JULY 2010:

01:41 A business in Lockhead Street, Walmer was burgled. The suspects used a makeshift ladder to climb onto the roof. They made a hole in the wall and broke a piece of the roof. Entry was gained.
03:02 A business in Admiralty Way, Summerstrand was burgled. According to the CCTV footage, the suspects cut open the security gate and tried to force open the front door. No entry was gained.
04:13 A business in Stanley Street, Central was burgled. The suspects smashed a window and gained entry. They made off with a plasma screen TV, a Hi Fi system, an amplifier and a DVD player.
04:43 While patrolling in Albert Road, Walmer, the Response Officers spotted a suspect walking with a computer tower under each arm. They apprehended the suspect and the police will investigate a case of theft.
06:08 A premises in Mary Boyd Avenue, Kensington was burgled. The suspects used a bin to gain access into the premises and broke two wooden doors in the process. The Response Officer recovered some of the stolen goods in the field.
08:37 A Bibury Avenue, Linkside resident reported that their domestic worker was robbed in Heythrop Drive. Thieves stole her cell phone and money.
13:01 A residence in Blomme Avenue, Greenbushes was burgled. The suspects broke though the garage window and gained entry. The client could not identify whether anything was stolen.

SUNDAY 25 JULY 2010:

02:17 A Limburg Road, Kabega Park resident reported that he found a stolen microwave oven outside his house on the pavement. He handed it over to the police.
03:29 A residence in Woodhead Drive, Humewood Extension was burgled. The suspects cut the fence and entered the yard. They removed the bottom window and entered the house while the owner was asleep. They ransacked the house and made off with some valuables.
03:58 A business in Torquay Avenue, Summerstrand was burgled. The suspects smashed a window, gained entry and made off with perfume.
06:00 A Nobbs Road, Summerstrand resident reported that she found clothing wrapped in a towel in her yard. The Response Officer investigated and handed it over the police.
06:07 The Response Officers attended to a medical emergency at a business in Old Grahamstown Road, Deal Party. A 25 year old security guard made a fire in a bucket and placed it in his guardhouse and closed the door and windows. When the replacement guard arrived for duty in the morning, he found the man unconscious. The ambulance arrived and confirmed that the man had passed away.
07:16 A residence in Athlone Street, Mount Pleasant was burgled. The suspects forced open the door locks and the kitchen window. They took a laptop, jewellery, an IPOD, a cell phone and a game.
11:24 The Response Officers attended to a medical emergency at a residence in Correli Street, Walmer Heights. The owner reported that her 84 year old mother had chest pains. The Officers gave her medical attention and confirmed that she had suffered a stroke. The ambulance arrived and transported the woman to hospital.
11:44 A business in Heugh Road, Walmer was burgled. The suspects smashed the window but no entry was gained. They hooked an old pair of shoes through the window.
20:48 A residence in Mill Park Road, Mill Park had an attempted burglary. Thieves broke one of the windows but no entry was gained.
21:00 A business in Elizabeth Lane, North End was burgled. The suspects forced open the front door and gained entry. They made off with three boxes of wine and discarded smaller items in front of the premises.
21:11 A business in Pickering Street, Newton Park was burgled. The suspects broke a window but the burglar bars were left intact. No entry was gained.
23:35 A business in Pickering Street, Newton Park had an attempted burglary. The suspects smashed a window but no entry was gained.

MONDAY 26 JULY 2010:

08:03 A business in Circular Drive, Lorraine was burgled. The suspects forced open the window and bent the burglar bars and gained entry. They stole a computer and petty cash.
08:18 A business in Glen Street, Central was burgled. The suspects jumped over the alleyway wall and entered the granny flat. They bent the security gate and kicked in the door. They made off with a bed and a mirror. The damaged mirror was recovered outside the house.
08:42 A residence in Blomme Avenue, Greenbushes had an attempted burglary. The owner reported that he saw three suspects breaking through the fence. They used a piece of wood to lift the fence. No entry was gained into the house.
09:38 Thieves were trespassing at a residence in Dove Road, Greenshields Park. The owner reported that a man jumped into her yard and exited again. No entry was gained into the house.
09:50 A residence in Thrush Avenue, Greenshields Park was burgled. The suspects entered by removing the kitchen window and kicking in the burglar bars. They stole copper piping and exited through the back sliding door. The neighbour contacted ATLAS reporting that her son caught the suspect but he escaped.
10:29 A residence in Seventh Avenue, Walmer had an attempted burglary. The suspects broke a piece of aluminium off the gate but did not manage to make off with it. No entry was gained into the house.
14:03 A home in Athlone Street, Mount Pleasant was on fire. The fire department attended to the fire.
15:53 A residence in Jasmin Avenue, Sunridge Park had an attempted burglary. The owner confirmed that a man came from next door and begged. The suspect pretended to be deaf and smashed the owner's vehicle window.
16:02 A residence in Hudson Street, Newton Park had an attempted burglary. The suspects smashed a window but did not gain entry.
20:42 A Kragga Kamma Road, Kamma Park business owner reported that people were fighting outside her premises. They were throwing each other against the windows. The perpetrators fled when the Response Officers arrived.

TUESDAY 27 JULY 2010:

01:11 The Response Officers caught and arrested two suspects that were in possession of a wooden door. A Main Road, Walmer resident phoned in and confirmed they are busy with renovations next door and that the door might have been stolen from the property.
03:04 A security guard at a Buick Street, Markman Township business reported that thieves stole copper piping from the yard.
04:27 A business in Westbourne Road, Central was burgled. The suspects forced open the front door, smashed a window and gained entry. They made off with R12 000 worth of goods.
05:08 A residence in Vigne Street, Summerstrand was burgled. The suspects entered the premises by kicking in the back door and forcing open the security gate. While this unfolded, the owner locked herself in the bedroom. The suspects made off with a flat screen TV, a DVD player and an LCD monitor, but it was all recovered in the bushes nearby.
06:59 A business in Fourteenth Avenue, Walmer had an attempted burglary. The suspects smashed the wendy house window but no entry was gained.
07:11 Two armed suspects stole a gold Toyota Corolla in Algoa Park.
11:46 A residence in Bognor Street, Summerstrand was burgled. The suspects forced open the bedroom window and kicked in the burglar bars. They made off with a flat screen TV.
11:55 A residence in Twelfth Avenue, Walmer had an attempted burglary. The suspect stuck a hand through an open window and was seen by the owner's daughter, who screamed. The suspects fled empty-handed in a purple vehicle.
12:39 A residence in Richmond Hill Street, Richmond Hill was burgled. The suspects forced open the front door and bent the lock on the security gate. The client was unsure whether entry was gained.
15:37 A Kemsley Street, Richmond Hill resident reported that two young suspects smashed the window of his white Opel Astra. They stole a handbag and fled.
15:54 A residence in Newington Road, Central was burgled. The owner forgot to lock the door behind her and the suspects entered through the unlocked door. They stole a laptop and a bag while the owner was in the house.
18:43 The Response Officers attended to a medical emergency at a residence in Richmond Park, Central. An 85 year old resident collapsed in the yard. The Officers stabilised her and the owner confirmed that they would transport the woman to hospital.
23:16 A business in Davies Street, Sidwell had an attempted burglary. The suspects broke a window but no entry was gained.
23:25 Thieves stole from a business in Forest Hill Drive, Forest Hill. A taxi stopped in front of the store and while the cashier was busy, some of the taxi occupants walked out with goods without paying.

WEDNESDAY 28 JULY 2010:

01:20 A business in Clyde Street, Central was burgled. The suspects smashed a window and gained entry. According to the CCTV recording, the suspects stole an LCD screen and fled.
02:37 A business in Beethoven Drive, Walmer was burgled. The suspects forced open the back door and gained entry. They made off with a plasma screen TV.

Contact Atlas Security.