Dear Neighbour
It is indeed wonderful to once again experience the start of a changing season in our beautiful valley with cooler daytime temperatures now evident. For this past month a change in crime activity is also evident in our neighbourhood. We were well on our way to a crime free month in our area until the recent housebreak at #39 De Kline Molen Street ( top end of street). In fact, in preparation for this newsletter, we had just confirmed with SAPS as well as ADT that no incidents of crime had been reported in our area for the past month when this occurred.
At approximately 14h15 entry was gained via the top storey balcony and open sliding door when a wallet plus newly wrapped gift was stolen from the upper storey bedroom whilst the owners were downstairs. We should not underestimate the athletic abilities of these thieves as it firstly appeared virtually impossible to gain entry at this height above ground level. Then footmarks were noticed on the outside pillars where the thief climbed up between the two pillars Ninja Warrior style! So for those of us who thought leaving upstairs doors and windows open is a safe bet, we had better relook our situation especially with regards to trees and/or structures in close proximity. This would include rain water pipes and down gutters. Also this particular sliding door is only visible from the neighbouring property where building activity is currently in progress. So it is once again clear that we are being watched and studied.
Apart from this unfortunate incident, there have been no other reported incidents for the month of March. According to SAPS the number of reported crime incidents for March are 18 less compared with the previous year this time in Paarl. Also ADT have reported a significant reduction in crime in the greater Paarl area. This is in stark contrast to other areas such as Bloubergstrand where crime is apparently now rampant. SAPS say that the significant reduction in crime related incidents in our area is as a direct result of numerous arrests being recently made. It is interesting to note that the majority of these arrests have been linked to other incidents and the perpetrators are from the Cape Town area. Congratulations to SAPS for having made these arrests and their on-going efforts in fighting crime in the Paarl area.
As you may have noticed, our ADT foot patrol has been operating as a daytime patrol since 4th March. It is also interesting to note that at the time of the housebreak at 39 De Kleine Molen Street, the foot patroller was questioning a suspect further down the same street who was scratching in a waste bin inside a property. Perhaps a decoy? Please be on the lookout for a young black male wearing a very bright yellow golf T shirt. If you do notice such a person wandering our streets please immediately contact the SAPS Sector 3 patrol vehicle on 0824443194 as he might be linked to this housebreak.
Let us hope that the tide has turned with all the recent arrests and that we can once again look forward to a relatively crime free neighbourhood. For those going away for the Easter holidays, we wish you safe travels and a pleasant holiday. To all our neighbours we wish you a time filled with much peace and many Blessings.