Petty theft remains a major problem in Graaff-reinet

GRAAFF-REINET — According to W/O Gerrie van Rooyen, a spokesperson for the Graaff-reinet police, the town experienced another relatively serious-crime free week for the reporting period of October 30 to November 6.

Members of the Crime Prevention Unit searched premises in Umasizakhe after following up on information received from the community.

The members confiscated a generator, flat screen TV and two chainsaws.

The items are suspected to have been stolen at other premises during the month of October.

The 41-year-old female suspect, Nomana Mashusu, appeared in the local Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 2, and the case was postponed pending further investigation.

Shoplifting is increasing in the face of the upcoming festive season and no less than four cases were reported at businesses.

Burglaries at residential areas were reported to have been committed in Bergendal, Caledon Street, Lotus Street Asherville, Umasizakhe and Sunnyside.

The Horseshoe Clinic, housed in the Graaffreinet Town Hall, was targeted during the night of November 2 and 3.

Theft out of motor vehicle was reported in Adendorp on Monday, October 30.

A suspect was arrested when he was caught cutting the sail of a parked truck in Church Street during the early hours of Saturday morning, November 4.

Two suspects were arrested after they were found to be in possession of small quantities of Dagga and Mandrax respectively.

W/O van Rooyen reports that petty theft still remains a major headache as opportunistic thieves pound on every possible opportunity to steal as previously reported.

Van Rooyen went on to explain that these crimes are almost impossible to police since they are committed outside the patrolling corridors of normal policing.