Lenasia Watch

Building on previous posts about how criminals operate (i.e their modus operandi), here is another posting on the same subiect:

Targeting the house

Criminals look for areas displaying the following attributes:

• Well to do targets or business owners who either have cash or other high end items in the home

• Easy access to both the homes and the area in general

• and easy escape routes

When looking at Lenasia in particular all these three are present hence Lenasia being a lucrative area for criminals to operate. We especially have a problem of easy access and escape with routes in and out of Lenasia both numerous and offering quick access into Soweto, Lenasia South, Lawley, Eikenhof etc etc.

Inside information is extremely important to criminals wanting detail of valuables along with how and when entry should be made (see post on cellphone images taken by domestics). Assessment includes vulnerability, such as the occupier’s absences on regular getaways over weekends or Easter holidays, as well as operational hazards, such as vicious dogs, burglar bars and alarm systems. Opportunistic intrusions are less sophisticated but follow similar patterns.

Information Source

In order to obtain this information domestic employees are commonly bribed or threatened to assist the criminals. For example, they are told to contact the gang as soon as the employer goes away for a night or weekend. If it is learnt that the employer was away without them being informed, the domestic worker suffers the consequences. Other sources are disgruntled employees who willingly volunteer information to locally known criminals. Information is often passed from builders to criminals for reward simply because they can see into the other properties in the course of their work.

The break-in

The use of cell-phones enables the break-into be started or cancelled at any time depending on what is developing. The targeted property will be watched even if the owner is expected to be away from home. If no movement occurs, the target is first tested by ringing the door-bell or by calling the owner’s home telephone to see if the house is occupied.

Intrusion occurs where a fence can be cut at an inconspicuous place such as a large bush, or where a wall can be jumped over out of view. A lookout is positioned outside the property who whistles a single note to warn the intruder of danger. The intruder moves cautiously inside the property where he can remain out of sight and watches the residence for movement. His immediate concern is about being bitten or shot. He looks for where the dog is, or whether a family member may unexpectedly be at home. He canvasses the property for a while before making his move.

After forcing entry, stolen goods are hastily removed to a hiding place on or near the property and the cell phone is used to call the getaway car usually positioned a short distance from the target. In built up areas, the driver announces his arrival by very briefly touching the hooter once or twice. In areas with larger properties, he will probably blow the hooter three times with longer blasts.

The actual burglars are the ones who take the risks of breaking in and benefit the least. They hand over stolen items to their contacts who sell items usually at half the original retail price or less. Theft is not necessarily restricted to specific items - almost anything of value able to be transported rapidly will be taken. Cash, jewellery and firearms are prime targets.

Early Warning Systems

The incorporation of outdoor beams into alarm systems is a reliable way of warning occupants of intruders before a break-in occurs and automatically activates a signal for armed response units to arrive in good time.