Tuesday Incidents Updated

Fake ADT controller currently calling residents and asking if all is OK as they have recorded an activation at the premises etc. The password is asked for and the call ended. Be warned this is a scam! Read the comments tag below, VL comment removed to give ADT time to investigate the fake call scenario fully.

Here's Rob Dale's (General Manager ADT) reply after an initial investigation:

‘ADT shares the concerns and fears regarding the alleged scam, and we strongly recommend that residents raise their specific instances with ADT Management to allow us to fully investigate each situation fully. In a recent investigation into a similar specific incident, it became apparent that this was a case of a wrong number dialed by an operator. Details of concerns to be investigated can be mailed to robdale@tycoint.com. There are also a number of circumstances that would present a situation where there is an apparent call when no alarm activation is heard:
Technical malfunction: In some cases faulty alarm panels may send signals to the control room without activating the siren. This would give the user the impression of an unwarranted call from the monitoring centre; however the call would be in reaction to activation.
Dialing of an incorrect number by the operator: In a recent investigation this was confirmed as the cause of an ADT client whose alarm had not activated. ADT has telephone management software and voice loggings that are able to trace and verify instances like this
Outdated keyholder information: In some cases, keyholder information has not been updated, and keyholders that are not longer relevant may be phoned for premises that they are no longer associated with. We urge clients to maintain an updated keyholder list. This can be done by contacting our Customer Information Services Department on 086 12 12 300

We strongly recommend that residents are cautious of calls from their security service provider, and recommend that details such as the operators name, or specifically phoning the control room back, are used in the event that there is any concern. In the event that we can confirm any alleged irregularities, we will involve SAPS in a formal investigation.’

Regards,

Rob Dale
General Manager
ADT Security (Pty) Ltd5 Louwtjie Rothman AvenueN1 CityPrivate Bag X104, N1 City, 7463 Telephone 086 12 12 303Facsimile 086 12 12 305

Ed. Thursday 19th March. Detailed follow up investigation and personal interaction with clients that received calls from ADT when no alarm condition existed have been cleared up by Rob Dale. There is no evidence that any ADT database has been compromised.

Last night, # Cannon Cl Heights. 12 foot trampoline stolen from garden. Discovered later in the day, but happened early in the morning.

01h19 # Brighton, intruder on premises takes off with a PVR and DSTV. ADT reports the suspect running toward the dunes close to the Skate Park. SSP’s search the dune area, nothing found.

02h22 ADT detain a knife carrying, likely suspect with wet pants and a top matching the Brighton intruders (above) description close to the fire station. Complainant unable to ID suspect and also not in possession of stolen goods. Goods probably stashed.

04h15 ADT. Attempt to break-in at a the ‘Silvermist’ fence line, suspect detected while cutting a hole and takes off toward the pipe track. SAPS and SSP’s respond. Suspect may have been carrying a weapon.

04h36 Bokkemans resident (RW) reports activity in bush above Bokkemans. D4 reports two unknown motor vehicles parked in the bush at the Nek entrance to the pipe track.

08h43 Stolen property found on premises opposite KFC. Linked to the 01h19 Brighton break-in?

08h48 CA766226 (number may be incorrect) White Kadett with 4 Bravo males cruising Chestnut, Overkloof. Suspicious behavior harassing a domestic worker. Note that a white Kadett was seen at the March 10th break-in scene on Elmtree, Bokkemans.

12h46 Break-in at Applegarth. TOOV and residence. SSP’s and SAPS respond.

15h29 NS Patrol tag a Charlie male in the Pondicherry Edward area with a lawnmower. Charlie stashes the mower in the bush. Long story but SAPS attend, collar Charlie. 15h53 BS Lawnmower stolen from O.N. Charlie arrested?

Monday Incidents

18h38 TOOV, smash and grab in Baviaanskloof Rd.

Sunday Sinners

0h11 Intruders on Sea Harvest property close to Fish On The Rocks. Very good response by SSP’s and SAPS. 0h15 Intruders cornered inside premises but jump the wall and escape without gaining entry.

02h29 Gunshots? reported close to the top of Marais Rd. by various residents. SSP’s Scott NW and SAPS patrol the area. Nothing further.
From a resident: It turns out it was intoxicated teenagers who let off loud fireworks. I confronted them the following morning and they sheepishly apologised

ATM Fraudsters active around the Peninsula. Two Bravo males and one Bravo female driving a Silver 3 door Corsa are doing the "lean over and push buttons" ATM trick pretending to help thing. No registration number.

12h40 SAPS. White BMW, Dolphin shape, CA297745 ATM scamming.

17h47 NSMcC. reports a vehicle break-in at the entrance to the Old Yacht Club on Harbour Rd. SSP’s and HBNW respond. 17h48 The thief and an accomplice, both Charlie males, run into the dunes alongside the old YC, one in a red/white checked shirt the other in a white top with a distinctive marking on the back. Long story from here but the two exchanged shirts, one headed up the river under Harbour Rd dropping his loot under the bridge where it was recovered. 18h08 White shirt arrested (was red shirt) and red shirt got away. Both reported by SSP’s as “known customers”

18h04 White Nissan Sentra DTX501GP behaving suspiciously close to the ‘Skate Park’ takes off at speed, changes drivers then carries on jumping stop streets and evading observers.

Friday and Saturday Incidents

Friday

22h19 Suspicious person lurking under the Disa River Rd bridge.

22h37 # Riverside Terrace suspect on premises? Nothing further.

Saturday

01h55 # Riverside Terrace, beams tripped. ADT and HBS respond. Intruders may retreat via James House. No one found.

22h38 Security officer disturbs a fence jumper on the Kronendal Retirement Village boundary, wearing white shorts, blue t-shirt with a white stripe. Very good response by SSP’s and SAPS. Reeds searched, nothing further.

Friday Incidents Updated

0h24 The Spinney, Intruder apprehended inside Unit #. SSp’s respond. SAPS unresponsive on air. Resident evidently pushed the intruder into a room and locked him up from where he escaped by forcing burglar bars. Resident sat down and called for assistance. Resident unconscious and needing medical assistance. SSP’s apply first aid. 0h33 SAPS not yet on scene. 0h43 SSP’s report a hole in the perimeter fence on Main Rd. 0h47 SR1 on scene. Old age homes being targeted? See yesterday’s incidents.

01h27 Prowler riding around Northshore, Pondicherry / Monaco Close on a bicycle. Alarms being set off in the area.

04h40 Whittlers Way, 3 Bravo Males wandering around on foot. ADT1 responds. Unseen.

Wednesday and Thursday Incidents

Wednesday

20h59 Dogs shouting at 3# Whittlers Way. SSP’s and Meadows NW respond. 21h12 Meadows NW, holes cut in back fence of 3# and 3# Whittlers. Criminals thought to be prospecting.

21h43 Young skollies, sleeveless and ¾ pants detected running downstream on the river path from Blue Valley Close. 23h22 Same young skollies detected walking upstream onto Blue Valley Close.

22h15 SAPS. Suspects collared (known house-breakers) Cnr. Mountain and Victoria. Bag thrown over the wall of 2# Mountain. SSP’s respond.

Thursday

01h02 Suspects, one wearing a red shirt, hovering around Kronendal Retirement Village, run into bush when lit with a torch.

05h02 # Spinney retirement village. Suspect inside premises. SAPS and SSP’s respond.

12h13 VJ Bag snatched on the beach. Two Bravo males running from the beach toward Princess Rd via the Beach Club. One bare chested with blue shorts. SAPS, SSP’s and HBNW respond. Mainstream Security unresponsive. 12h16 ADT Jason nabs the two on Princess, describing them as “Old Friends” SAPS uplift them. One said to be closely related to one of the two in the “March 10 Beach Op” report below. These are the same two collared and handed to SAPS on “2nd March Monday Incidents” report below. They were released due to lack of evidence in that case. Three minutes……..Job done.

Comment from VJ: Victims were British tourists in their late 70’s – somebody’s grandparents - these scum wait for a soft target. Case opened. Positive ID made. Statements taken. Property returned. Both victims couldn’t believe the response and said “you wouldn’t get this in the UK”. Credit to everyone making a special effort to get our beach back. You know who you are. There are more than just these two, job is only partly finished.

18h01 CA717066 Mitsubishi bakkie, purple/silver? being driven recklessly on the pipetrack

20h00 to 21h00 Two Bravo youths moving up and down the Disa River path between Blue Valley Close and Bethal Rd. One barefoot.

21h30 Black Jeep abandoned on Constantia Nek, driver seen running into the mountain on the road toward Cecilia Forest. Info from Conwatch indicates the vehicle was stolen/hijacked during an armed robbery in Constantia by a number of Bravo Males.

Robbery At A Tarragona Guest House From The Owner

Just an insight into an all too common event in our Valley. The letter is copied with permission of the writer and are the views of the writer. Minor edits made to protect identities.

Summary of events on 09/03/2009:

3 Bravo males (young, fit, 2 short (approx. 165cm) and one tall and thinner (They seem to be the same 2 males who broke in here on 19 February 2009 and one of the shorter males was also here on the 6th December).

0h55 The criminals seemingly climbed through an open window downstairs and took jewellery and cell phones from downstairs, then walked stealthily upstairs ( a very creaky wooden staircase) and stole cell phones and watch from the main bedroom and were in the process of stealing jewellery + a cell phone in the 3rd bedroom, when the guests woke with the light being switched on. They defended themselves by using brute force against the weapons, with the gentleman guest sustaining knife wounds to his elbow and knee and a head wound sustained when he was hit on the head with a metal candelabra. By this time the other 2 guest had awoken and rushed to the aid of their father/friend and were threatened with the panga and knife by 2 bravo males. One of the bravo males fled down the stairs and opened a window and jumped out. In the mean time the 4 guests were attacking the remaining 2 criminals until they jumped out of the bathroom window- possibly using the drain pipes as their access down to ground level. We were first alerted by the screams/shouts of the guests and the alarm (having been activated immediately on the departure of the criminals). I immediately activated my panic alarm as P…. chased after the criminals – unfortunately they are approx. 18-20 years old, very athletic and strong and they escaped easily.
Deep Blue either reacted to our distress alarm or to Peter’s radio call to Watchcon) and arrived at approximately 01h08. (Radio logs show 3 Deep Blue and 1 ADT vehicle responding at 0h59 Ed.) The criminals were by this time, running up the pathway into the mountain reserve, which we are certain about as the neighbor’s dog was barking loudly (please note that this also occurred on the 19th Feb and we asked ADT and the Police to chase after them, to which there was a stunned non-reaction and mutual agreement that it was not their job).

In this instance, we also mentioned to Deep Blue, the escape route and it fell on deaf ears.

The police arrived at 01h55 and stayed until 05h30 taking down statements, taking non-existent finger prints (as the criminals had latex gloves on) and having a photography shoot of the crime scene.

It is our belief that as ordinary citizens, we have no protection whatsoever. I know that I will have to be here all day to answer questions from an endless stream of investigators and security personal. All the paperwork is very quickly buried under an ever increasing pile of unsolved crimes.
Neither the police nor the security personnel are assisting in catching the criminals. It is up to us all to defend our homes and families. Although P…. has been the only active Tarragona resident on night Neighbourhood watch, he has now resigned his position due to lack of support from Tarragona Estate and will now only actively look after his home and our guests.

A few conclusions:
The criminals are the same- just increasing in number (with one on 6th Dec, 2 on 19th Feb and 3 this morning).
They are dressed as cat burglars, with dark track-suits, light weight and soundless running shoes, latex gloves, full balaclavas and come equipped with small torches and in this case a large knife, panga and heavy baton.
They are young, athletic and very quiet during the robbery and quick escapees.

Tuesday and Wednesday Incidents

Tuesday

16h21 1# Elm Tree break-in between 1.45pm – 4 pm. Front door broken to gain access. Numerous things stolen including a plasma TV. A white Opel Kadette seen in the vicinity with 2 Bravo males thought to be linked to the break in. See incident below, White Golf?

22h29 Mainstream Security. White VW Golf with a broken quarter light passenger side and 4 Bravo occupants seen photographing goods through a shop window at Mainstream. There have been break-ins at the same premises during the last 7 days. No registration number. Please report sightings to SAPS/Watchcon.


Wednesday

07h34 1# Cecil Rd. Earlier break-in discovered on waking.

Monday Incidents

0h58 # Farriers Way Three Bravo Intruders inside premises, dressed in black, wearing balaclava’s and armed with panga’s, last seen heading for Connemara. Cellphones stolen. Seem to be the same group that visited with bolt cutters a few days ago.SSP’s attend including a stake out at the graveyard.

02h31 # Orangekloof, 4 Bravo males break-in and laptop stolen. Left on foot via Main Rd. One criminal wearing a red shirt. No obvious link with Farriers Way. SSP’s attend.

Monday Incidents

0h58 # Farriers Way Three Bravo Intruders inside premises, dressed in black, wearing balaclava’s and armed with panga’s, last seen heading for Connemara. Cellphones stolen. Seem to be the same group that visited with bolt cutters a few days ago.SSP’s attend including a stake out at the graveyard.

02h31 # Orangekloof, 4 Bravo males break-in and laptop stolen. Left on foot via Main Rd. One criminal wearing a red shirt. No obvious link with Farriers Way. SSP’s attend.

From SAPS Marked increase in night time TOOV’s including Bay Beach Main Rd, # Karakal, ## Sandpiper

Sunday Sinners

01h52 Red Uno CA308463 does a runner from the BP service station without paying for goods. 02h34 Uno found in Peterhof Rd Hughenden, SAPS attend.

10h24 3# Penzance Ave. 5 Bravo males, some with weapons (knife?) attempting to break-in. SAPS respond. Thugs retreat to IY.

13h44 TOOV close to 6# Empire. Handbag containing cash nabbed through open window. No description of suspect. SAPS attend.

19h00 Seacliffe Lodge, Bravo male on premises. SAPS respond

Saturday Incidents

0h06 Resident reports dogs shouting and fence tampering in the Sluysken Rd area. N’shore patrol responds.

17h15 Break-in at # Norman St Camera stolen, no description. ADT and SAPS attend.

Friday Incidents

0h56 Vineyard on Disa, shouting dogs reported by resident. ADT respond. Nothing further.

02h37 3# Whittlers Way, intruder reported on premises, SSP’s respond. Nothing further.

09h04 BH. Thief being chased in Baviaanskloof Rd. toward Red Sails. Two very young Bravo Males running past 7/11, 09h05 Thieves apprehended by car guards? close to Pakalolo. Job done resident lays charges. Sixty seconds!

11h25 Ref10874. Mugging at the YMCA entrance, van Hoogstraten, Penzance. 15 year old girl robbed of a cellphone by a knife wielding Bravo male (attempted stabbing) that ran off into IY. No physical injuries. Good response by HBNW and SSP’s. 11h40 SAPS not yet on scene (went to shop)

22h17 ADT 2# Mountain St. Intruder in premises. Blue jeans ran off toward the harbour area.

Thursday Incidents

03h13 Break-in foiled at Kronendal Office Park by alert guards. SSP’s patrol Penzance for suspects.

04h55 ADT Attempt to steal building materials from a site in Darling St. Scott Est. Vehicle used is a yellow Nissan 1 tonner (bakkie) CA339483 ADT suspect vehicle is dropping scavengers off in the area

Thursday Incidents

03h13 Break-in foiled at Kronendal Office Park by alert guards. SSP’s patrol Penzance for suspects.

04h55 ADT Attempt to steal building materials from a site in Darling St. Scott Est. Vehicle used is a yellow Nissan 1 tonner (bakkie) CA339483 ADT suspect vehicle is dropping scavengers off in the area. SAPS detain the vehicle but no stolen property reported so release them. The vehicle variously reported throughout the Valley during the day and at one point attempted to sell scaffold props and trestles to Hireman.

Wednesday Incidents

03h17 Two persons seen wandering around (knocking on doors?) in Armour St Penzance. SAPS and SSP’s respond.

06h13 Break-in at ## Payne St Penzance. SSP’s respond.

Wednesday Incidents

03h17 Two persons seen wandering around (knocking on doors?) in Armour St Penzance. SAPS and SSP’s respond.

06h13 Break-in at ## Payne St Penzance. SSP’s respond.

22h07 TOOV corner van Hoogstraten and Payne St. Penzance. Backpack stolen.

Tuesday Incidents

0h39 Residents above Fynbos/Overkloof, report a group of 5? Bravo males moving along the pipetrack above Overkloof toward Bokkemanskloof. Residents and Bokke Guard alerted. 0h46 SAPS respond. 01h04 Attempted break-in reported at a residence above the pipetrack. Thieves still in the bush close to the house. SAPS and SSP’s respond. 01h15 Thieves cornered? in the bush. Many places to hide as SSP’s and SAPS sweep the area. 01h46 Most stand down. 01h50 DB wait in the dark. 02h30 DB withdraw, nothing seen.

This group seemed to raid the area from the Constantia Nek end. They may well have been dropped off by a Taxi? Anyway this MO should be bourn in mind.

09h26 TOOV at ##A Victorskloof. Suspect is a Bravo male in dark clothing. A Whiskey male is also reported in the area and thought to be responsible for TOOV and house-breaking in the past. Victorskloof NW respond.

13h31 Tourists (lady) mugged by two knife wielding 25 yr old Bravo males, sustaining knife wounds (again) on the beach close to the ‘Old SAPS’. Muggers ran off into the dunes with two blue denim bags. HBNW and SSP’s respond (SAPS unknown)

From a reader: Muggings must now come to an end. I will dedicate time to this effort. Who will coordinate RECLAIMING OUR BEACH. I will support you. I am sure there are many others as well

From a reader: I will join the mounted patrol and ride through the dunes as often as I can, mostly at lunch times - hope this will help!

From VictorSteve: For the record, SAPS arrived in numbers as the first HBNW/medical responders arrived. For those willing to assist with the beach, please forward your contact details to sdeuchar@iafrica.com I will pass this on to the relevant coordinators. Ed no sign of SAPS at the scene of the crime or follow up to find the criminals. We are almost running at 1 mugging per day now!
From VictorSteve: Reply to ed, after getting description most SAPS left to search for suspects, others remain to take statements etc. It is probable SAPS did not go on/near dunes but operated in surrounding areas as the perps had, in all likelyhood, already left the area as the incident had occured a short time before. Just my guess tho.And that does not negate that adequate investigation needs to be done by authorities !

20h49 TOOV at the community centre (Old Bowling Club)

22h03 Reports of a vehicle with armed occupants close to the Catholic Church, Karbonkel Rd. Circumstances unknown. ADT and SAPS respond. Nothing further.

Monday Incidents

03h08 Dogs shouting in the Overkloof / Bridoon area.

15h21 ADT6. Tourist couple mugged on the beach by a group of knife wielding Bravo’s. Lady sustained cuts to her arms/hands. ADT collect two of four running suspects. Victim unsure whether to lay charges. Nothing further at 16h00.

From VJ: Elderly British tourists. Lady sustained cuts to wrist and finger as bag was cut from her by knife near the rivermouth. Four BM’s in dark clothing and one with short rasta hair. ADT6 (Jason) stopped 2 of them exiting the dunes because he recognised them as the same guys who ran out of the bush when Dave Cowley was mugged. Suspects taken to SAPS. Victims viewed suspects at SAPS but could not positively ID. SAPS took photo’s but advised no point in opening a case as tourists due to leave on Friday

From a resident: Hi, Surely an effective, cheap way to reduce the alarming increase of violent muggings on the beach could be to place a NW patrolling wing on the sand dunes above the beach...I fly slope Radio Controlled gliders there quite often in the late afternoon, and often these Bravos lie in hollows on the top of the dunes when I get there... I've even seen the short haired rasta guy a few times. Often they lie there playing with knifes while watching passers by... They are obviously searching out "good" victims with bags and valuables... Every time I arrived in their "space", it took them less than 5 minutes to leave... Normally direction river.I am prepared to be up there with a telephoto lens on my camera, to make a small "database" of the "regulars", if a NW guarder is available to back me up.Let's get the muggers sorted out by reclaiming the dunes... not avoid it because it is dangerous!! It is getting way out of hand!Thx for a great blog!

21h20 # Milkwood St. TOOV

22h09 Suspect reported jumping the fence at the International School, Valley Rd. SSP's and SAPS respond.

Sunday Sinners

0h30 Unconfirmed tampering on the Silvermist fence line. SSP’s SAPS and HBNW respond. 01h00 all stand down.

01h43 SAPS vehicle vandalized when responding to a complaint at a tavern? in Hangberg? All windows broken.

12h10 Two intruders, one in an orange top, on ## Riverside Terrace last seen heading for Main Rd. SSP’s HBNW and SAPS respond. 12h12 Saps collar the two on Main Rd where they are positively identified and detained. The two were recently involved in an incident in the Royal Rd area.

13h41 ## Day Rd Penzance intruder on property last seen heading for Main Rd. ADT patroller spots the suspect and detains him for collection by SAPS.

16h54 Earlier? break-in at ## Kronendal Retirement Village, SAPS attend.

23h25 Two gunshots reported in the Vlakkenberg / Disa area. Source unknown.