Our friends at Magen Security have once again shared with MyShtetl.co.za users information that they normally reserve only for their clients.

They believe that the spate of crimes in the Shtetl should be brought to the community’s attention. “I advise all of you to be a bit more aware and pass on all information that you have. If you see anything suspicious do not take it lightly,” they say, call the police.

Below the police reports are further tips from Magen regarding the how to avoid the type of crime that we have a spree of.

Criminal activity report received from local police stations from 2 to 9 August:

There were four Trio Crimes in the week:

House Robbery - 9th Ave, Orange Grove (At night)

Business Robbery - Grant Ave, Norwood (Morning) - The business robbery happened during the morning rush. No-one saw anything. If you work in Norwood & elsewhere in our area please be careful at opening time. Shop owners should look out for one another at opening & closing.

Murder - 9th Str, Orange Grove (Midday) - This appears to be domestic violence related and is currently under investigation.

Car Jacking - Main Str, Rouxville. - In the car jacking - the victim suspected a vehicle but still went into their driveway. The vehicle was then forcibly taken from them. As above, if you are suspicious of a vehicle or persons, drive around the block. The vehicle will know they have been spotted and should move off. You should then call it in or drive to the Police station to report it if you are nervous. Try to remember the make, model, license plates and a description of occupants (if possible).

Theft of vehicles - Old Eds, Henrietta Rd (Norwood), Club Str (Linksfield).

A silver car, balaclava-clad gang is on the prowl again. Same MO, they followed a car into a complex in Senderwood and rammed the gate – held up a colleague of my husband and took the car, cell phones , watches etc, BUT they also wanted the teenage girl who was in the car to go with them (St Andrews matric girl) and she managed to escape by her uncle pulling her out of the car. The car was later found by Netstar/Tracker. PLEASE be very vigilant and circulate this to all your friends/neighbours in Bedfordview to be extra careful.

Theft out of Motor Vehicle - Linksfield, Old Eds, 11th Ave highway off-ramp, Melrose North.

House break-in & theft - Stirling Str (Waverley), 9th Ave (Orange Grove), 8th Str (Orange Grove), Jessie Rd (Norwood), 6th Str (Houghton), 11th Str (Orange GRove), 1st Str (Orange Grove), Raglan Str (Sydenham), 2nd Ave (Houghton), Jessie Ave (Norwood).

TAKE NOTE: - Melrose Arch - there are still thefts of handbags & property at Melrose Arch. Please be aware when shopping & dining at the center.

Tips & important reminders

Besides what I have already suggested above I should re-iterate the following safety tips:

No-one should carry large amounts of cash around with them. An armed robbery occurred in Houghton where a large amount of cash was taken. Most of these crimes are based on insider information. Use professional couriers or other similar means to transport cash. Do not have a routine when moving cash around always change the time & routes etc...

In Norwood a house was broken into and two guns were stolen. That represents another two weapons now on the black market that could end up killing an innocent person. If you own a weapon please ensure that it is properly locked away in a gun safe that should prevent it from being stolen. It is irresponsible to own a deadly weapon and to not have the proper facilities to ensure that it does not fall in to the wrong hands.