NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — Residents in Nieu-Bethesda were upset when a spate of burglaries took place in holiday homes in the village this week.

There were three incidents where doors were kicked in and electrical appliances and alcohol stolen.

Another attempted burglary was thwarted by good burglar bars. It is a pattern in the village that when known felons are released from jail, they immediately commit repeat crimes.

The neighbourhood watch was alerted to suspicious behaviour on Thursday night while patrolling.

On arriving for a weekend from Port Elizabeth on Friday, homeowners in Petersen street were devastated to find their newly installed shutters jimmied and interior doors kicked in. It is alleged that this crime had taken place in broad daylight on Friday.

As they slept fitfully on Friday night, they heard banging at the next door house at 01:30. They awoke to find the front door of said house kicked in and various items stolen.

Warrant Officer Gerrie van Rooyen and his team were girded into action and immediately arrested a suspect who was identified following information received from informants. The homeowners were extremely impressed with the speedy reaction of the SAPS fingerprinting department as well as that of the local police. With the second suspect still in hiding, a third burglary took place on the weekend.

Following excellent police work, the second suspect was also subsequently arrested after being traced to a house where goods were being sold. Both are in custody awaiting trial. Most of the stolen goods have been recovered.

Residents are grateful that these criminals were swiftly identified and arrested due to efficient work by the forensic department and the local police.

Villagers are encouraged to protect their homes with effective burglar bars and alarms while they are away, and to become active, paid-up members of the Neighbourhood Watch.

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