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Woensdag, 6 September 2017 | Tel: 021 910 6500 | epos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za
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Kaboom! Kuils River resident Kyle Brent de Vree captured this picture of the explosion at the Dekro Paint factory in the Kuils River industrial area on Thursday. Residents reported hearing three explosions as the factory went up in flames at about 11:00. According to City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Theo Layne, the fire occurred in the storage area of the factory and was caused by static electricity. No injuries were reported in the fire. PHOTO: KYLE BRENT DE VREE
‘CROWBAR GANGS’: HOMES IN EERSTE RIVER, KUILS RIVER TARGETED FOR BREAKINS
Crowbars ’n criminals JAYDEE CYSTER @jaydeecyster
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ocal residents have expressed their concern at recent incidents of crowbar gangs breaking into homes in Eerste River and Kuils River. Upon speaking to TygerBurger, a resident of Eerste River expressed his concern about what he describes as a “crowbar operation” targeting the homes of residents within his area. “If we can make residents aware of these gangs then we can prepare ourselves and avoid becoming victims,” says the resident.
According to Kuils River police spokesperson, Captain Isaac van Niekerk, a crowbar gang incident took place in the Kuils River police precinct this past week. Van Niekerk says that the gangs, which use crowbars to break down home entry points, have been operating in Kuils River for more than two years. “One incident was reported during the past week,” confirms Van Niekerk. “These gangs make use of crowbars to break down front doors, sliding doors, back doors and safety gates.” The gangs are said to use vehicles without number plates when they carry out their op-
erations. “The police are always on the lookout for suspicious-looking people driving vehicles with no number plates,” says Van Niekerk. According to the acting station commander of Kleinvlei Police Station, Lieutenant Colonel Jacobus Andrews, the police have no knowledge of a so-called crowbar gang operating in the area. “It is a perception, but there is no proof,” says Andrews. He confirms, however, that house breakins do occur within the area and that the most commonly stolen household items include television sets, laptops, speakers, music equipment, cellphones and jewellery.
Kleinvlei police spokesperson, Florina Muller, encourages residents to form street committees and to familiarise themselves with their neighbours. “Neighbours must communicate with one another and build good relationships,” says Muller. “If you see an unfamiliar vehicle in front of your house or strangers in the vicinity, call the police or your local neighbourhood watch.” Both Van Niekerk and Muller encourage residents to upgrade their home security by installing an alarm or getting a guard dog. They also warn against leaving garden tools lying around outside, as the same tools can be used to assist in a break-in.