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The days of Caledon being a crime-free country town are long gone with break-ins, robberies and cable theft rampant, especially during the hours of load shedding.
On Saturday 17 February an armed robbery took place at the popular Fat Henry’s Pizzeria in Hope Street. Shaun Combrinck of Fat Henry’s spoke to Hermanus Times about the incident.
“On Saturday night at 20:30 during load shedding a man walked in, pointed a gun at me and demanded money.” In a similar situation many years ago he knew the best way to deal with this was to offer no resistance. “I opened the till and gave the money. When a client moved on his chair the man pointed the gun at him, said something to him and then walked out. After he left we raised the alarm and my brother Dayle contacted the police.”
The perpetrator wore a buffer mask and left the premises on foot. Because of load shedding no street lights were working and it was pitch dark outside.
This all happened quickly and quietly, so much so the kitchen staff only became aware of the incident after the alarm was raised.
A police case was opened. Combrinck praised the police and especially the forensic team who came through from Somerset West for their quick action.
A second armed robbery reportedly took place at a convenience store further down the road on the same evening, but this could not be confirmed by the police and the owner of the shop was not available for comment.
A police spokesman urged the public to be vigilant at all times. He stressed that Caledon was not the peaceful plattelandse dorpie it once was.
