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Recent police reports reveal a sharp increase in beachgoers leaving their belongings unattended, raising significant concerns for property safety and security.
With the surge in visitors who have flocked to the beaches over the past few weeks because of sunny weather, this issue has escalated, prompting authorities to take action.
The hot spot beaches include Melkbosstrand, Bloubergstrand and Milnerton Beach where a number of missing cellphones, car keys, surfing gear and clothes were reported stolen.
Capt Adriana Chandler, Table View police spokesperson is urging the community to remain cautious. She says reports have increased of people going to the beach, leaving property unattended whilst swimming, and upon returning, finding their property stolen.
“When visiting any public space, make sure that your belongings are in your control at all times, and not left unattended,” Chandler says.
TygerBurger spoke to one of the victims, Denise Cloete from Summer Greens in Milnerton, last Friday, after her car keys and cellphone were stolen.
“While visiting Bloubergstrand beach recently, my cellphone and car keys were stolen in just a few seconds. I left my keys and cellphone under a small blanket on the sand to go wet my feet in the ocean. It was’nt even very long... just a few seconds,” she says.
When she returned to pick up her belongings, she noticed it was missing.
“I know some will call this being careless, but the items were not far away from me,” she says.
“I just did not want the key and phone to get wet,” she told TygerBurger.
Asking if she saw anyone suspicious before leaving her belongings, she said: “No, there was no one in sight when I left it there.”
In another incident, a passionate surfer also fell victim to theft while enjoying the waves.
“The idyllic allure of the beach often masks the lurking presence of opportunistic thieves,” he said.
“When I returned, all my goods were gone.”
Chandler told TygerBurger that in an unrelated case, a resident in Table View recently picked up an unknown woman from the street to clean her house. When the ‘cleaner’ left, the resident found jewellery valued at R18 000 stolen from her room.
She also said residents should be wary of remote jamming.
“We are urging the community to be cautious when parking their vehicle at shopping centres and other public spaces. Victims state that when parking the vehicle, he or she is under the impression the vehicle is locked, with valuables left inside the car. Upon returning to the vehicle, the doors are found to be unlocked and the property, such as laptops, sunglasses, clothing, cell phones, etc. are stolen,” Chandler says.
It is suspected that jamming devices are used by thieves, to intercept the locking mechanism, and to enter the vehicle, removing any items of value.
“It is advised that when parking your vehicle, to make sure that each door is locked, before walking away from the car.”
Police shared the following safety tips to avoid burglaries and home invasions:
- Make sure that all the entrance doors to your property are locked, if you have a safety gate, make sure it is locked. Doors to remain locked, even when at home.
- Make sure that your windows are closed, even when at home.
- Activate your alarm when leaving the house, even if it is for just a few minutes.
- Reverse your vehicle into the driveway. You will be able to see if anyone enters your property and can make a quick getaway. Remain in your car until the gate is closed and make sure the doors of your vehicle are locked.
- Do not allow anyone access to your property without asking for proper identification and confirming with the company from where the person claims to be.
- Remove any shrubs or obstacles where criminals can hide.
- Always be vigilant and aware, and report suspicious characters to your security company, neighbourhood watch and police.
- Should you wish to find out how you can secure your property even more, contact your security company, neighbourhood watch and police for tips.
- Report the burglary immediately to the police and inform your security company.
- Join your local neighbourhood watches and attend community imbizos arranged by the Community Police Forum.
