Publications
Partners
- Elderly couples in Kraaifontein have become the target of a group of unscrupulous criminals who work under the guise of municipal workers to gain entry into the homes of those they rob.
- Several cases reported in the suburb since November last year.
- In the latest incident an elderly couple residing in Peerless Park West was approached by two coloured men, clothed in City of Cape Town shirts with matching ID cards.
Elderly couples in Kraaifontein have become the target of a group of unscrupulous criminals who work under the guise of municipal workers to gain entry into the homes of those they rob.
Yet another case of theft was reported at Kraaifontein Police Station last week. This is just one of several cases reported in the suburb since November last year.
Then, at least seven cases – two were house robberies and five thefts – were reported to Kraaifontein police.
In the latest incident an elderly couple residing in Peerless Park West was approached by two coloured men, clothed in City of Cape Town shirts with matching ID cards.
“They requested access into their home to inspect all the electricity points and the electricity meter,” said WO Louis Strydom of Kraaifontein police. “The two had a gadget that closely resembled a ‘scanner’ to check electricity meters, and it all seemed very legit. What was strange to the elderly man was that one of the men called him by his surname and said he knew they were pensioners.”
The man said their daughter stopped outside their house as the two men left.
“My daughter was worried about the strange men who came out of the house and asked who they were. She then went to her room and saw her laptop was missing from the table she had left it on. This was when I realised it had been taken by one of the men who went from room to room.”
The City of Cape Town reminded residents about being vigilant against such scammers posing as electricity officials. “I am reiterating my call to residents to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious-looking activities to the police and the City,” said Mayco member for energy, Beverley van Reenen.
“Municipal workers and the City’s electrical contractors carrying out work at your home must, at all times, carry a notification or reference number specific to the home they are visiting, and must carry a legitimate City-issued ID card.”
She reminded residents that electricity meters, plugs and light bulbs in homes are not required to be checked by the City when applying for a rates rebate.
Van Reenen urged residents to confirm whether work was being carried out in a particular area or to verify a reference number, by phoning the City on 0860 103 089 before granting access to their property.
Kraaifontein Police Station also requested all residents and especially the seniors and children to not open their front door at all for any persons claiming to be working for the City of Cape Town, says Strydom.
WO du Toit can be contacted with information to assist police on 021 980 5558/5609.
