Increase in break-ins as festive season approaches

Home Crime and Courts Increase in break-ins as festive season approaches

WINDHOEK – As the festive season draws nearer, the City Police have cautioned the public to be extra vigilant as cases of housebreaking and theft from vehicles are on the increase.

City Police Senior Superintendent Gerry Shikesho advised people not to leave any valuables in their vehicles. Shikesho said criminals, besides using the old fashion method of stealing from vehicles by smashing a window, now use a remote control to jam the alarm system.

He said that as there is no law prohibiting people from having a remote control in their possession, the City Police are simply advising people not to leave valuables in vehicles.

Shikesho also warned homeowners to be aware of their surroundings. He added that people employed casually as painters and gardeners sometimes steal belongings from homes.
“We advise people to bring workers to the City Police before they do work in their homes then we can profile them,” Shikesho said.
He said the City Police have photos of suspects involved in the current spate of housebreakings.

He also said that now that it is hot people sleep with windows and doors open and criminals usually carry out surveillance before they strike. So homeowners have to be extra careful.

By Tunomukwathi Asino