Extortion racket highlights need for extra vigilance

PPolice and community forums are often our first point of call and must be supported

anic spread through the East London suburb of Beacon Bay last week when at least 30 homeowners woke up to find mysterious letters in their driveways. The envelopes were wrapped in danger tape and inside each one was a printed letter demanding R22,000. Failure to pay, the writer warned, would mean “danger” for the homeowner. The letter read in part: “You and your family are in danger and immediate action is required ... you will pay a once-off amount of R22,000 cash within 8 days of receiving this instruction.

“Payment is required to clear you and your family from being harmed in any way ... never report this to anyone else or you and your family will have negative consequences!!! This is serious.”

Earlier this week, a suspect accused of being behind the letters was arrested by police.

The total amount he allegedly attempted to extort from terrified residents amounted to more than R600,000.

The 48-year-old suspect, who was arrested on Wednesday, was due to appear in court on Friday.

An appeal has been made for anyone who may have fallen victim to this racket to come forward.

Some frightened Beacon Bay homeowners alerted their security companies, others did not want to inform the police and probably considered paying the money, while one or two shrugged off the extortion attempt, believing it to be the work of a teenager.

The threats contained in the letters are serious and cannot be ignored.

We live in a society where crimes — including those involving violence — are on the rise and criminals are hell-bent on enriching themselves at the expense of innocent people.

The threat of home invasions is always present, as are hijackings and theft from vehicles.

This extortion racket should serve as a reminder for people to always remain vigilant.

Police and community forums are often our first point of call and must be supported.

Exams are finishing soon, ushering in the holidays, and parents need to ensure they share safety tips with their children.

As we head into the festive season, with many families planning trips out of town for the holidays, residents should be extra vigilant and take all the necessary precautions to safeguard their properties.

Any suspicious activities must be reported to authorities immediately. Private security companies are also always available to help.

Criminals are waiting in the wings to pounce. We must all be alert and aware of our surroundings at all times.