Burgled nine times this year!

By Nondumiso Mbuyazi

While many South Africans have been victims of crime at some point in
their lives, not many can say they have been burgled nine times in less
than six months.
With people complaining about the high level of crime, a frustrated
Durban man has more reason than most to feel hard done by: his house has
been burgled nine times since the beginning of the year. To add insult
to injury, Chad Delport, 36, of Glenwood, said nobody had been arrested,
although he had reported all the incidents.
The fed-up businessman said thugs first broke into his house in January.
The latest burglary took place on May 23.
Delport said the burglars had stolen everything, from his laptop,
cellphone, camera, home theatre system, lawnmower and jewellery. "They
took all the tools I use for my business and all my clothes. I have to
continually replace all the things that have been stolen, and that means
I'm working at a loss," he said.
Delport said the criminals were using the vacant land adjacent to his
house to gain entry to his property.
"They climb over the fence and do as they please. They even come in
during broad daylight, as some of my neighbours have seen them," he said.
He recently installed sensors at the back of his kitchen door. "The
sensors cost a fortune, but I'm doing everything possible to ensure
these guys stay away from my home," he said, adding that he might put up
an electric fence.
Delport had been abroad for 15 years. He moved back to this country four
years ago to start his business.
"Of all the countries that I have lived in, I have never experienced
anything like this. I moved back to the country because my father was
sick, and I just missed the country. I wanted to be patriotic and
contribute towards bettering the country, and as a businessman I wanted
to offer job opportunities to people who were unemployed. And this is
the thanks I get," said an incensed Delport.
He said he had reported all the incidents to the police, but it all
seemed to be in vain.
Police spokesperson Inspector Michael Read said they were aware of all
the cases, adding they were still investigating. Read said Delport
should take necessary precautions to ensure his home was not a target
for criminals.
"Police will also be doing regular patrols around that area to ensure
that such incidents are a thing of the past. We are also trying to trace
the owner of the vacant land to ask him to fence it off," said Read.

* *This article was originally published on page 7 of **Daily News*
<http://www.dailynews.co.za/>* on June 25, 2009 *

19 Hours ago Anonymous wrote :
Over a year ago we were victims of an armed robbery at work. CCTV
footage gives clear views of faces and vehicles. The SAPS have not, to
my knowlege, even viewed the footage. About 2 weeks ago the business
upstairs from us had the same experience. This in a "SECURE" office
complex.

20 Hours ago JR wrote :
A local police reservist on the West rand has had 17 burgalaries and was
shot 7 times. The police did not even pick up the shell casings, he did
when he recovered, gave them to the police and they have disappeared and
still the police have not taken a statement. Some police are honest and
hard working but there are a number and the Security industry estimates
that 18% are not honest and are in fact criminals. This also applies to
the Private Security industry. So question is that we have the watchers
watching us to "keep us safe" but who is watching the watchers?