SOUTH AFRICA POLICE ASKING FOR HELP TO COMBAT COMPUTER THEFT AT BUSINESSES Helderberg19/05/2005 11:55 AM - (SA)
Police need public's help to curb crime
19-05-2005


THE Somerset West Police has urged the public to assist them in the ongoing fight against crime.

Senior Superintendent Sandile Sonjani, the Station Commissioner, said on Tuesday that housebreaking at business premises, and theft of and into motor vehicles, were reported on a regular basis.

There has been an increase in the number of break-ins at businesses compared to the same period in 2004 and he requested owners to ensure that their businesses were properly secured and fitted with the necessary safety measures to prevent such break-ins occurring. In most cases, computer equipment was reported as missing.

Business owners are urged to secure their computers, especially those on which important business information is stored. This can be done by "bolting" the hard drives to the floor where possible, or locking the equipment away after hours.

They must also ensure that their alarm system is in working order, to ensure that the alarm company or armed response react swiftly should the alarm be activated. Supt Sonjani said the group or suspects involved worked very quick and in most cases cut the wires of computers before they flee the crime scene.

Most thefts out of vehicles occurred during the evenings and vehicle owners are requested to ensure that their vehicle is properly locked when they leave the vehicle even just for a short while; that the vehicle, if possible, be fitted with an alarm system; that no items of value are left in the vehicle; and that if a garage is not available for the vehicle, it be parked near the residence in a well lit area.

When visiting restaurants or night clubs, the owner of the car should also ensure it is parked in the main road and not in side streets, as these are soft targets for criminals.

Also on the increase is the theft of vehicles. The public is urged to assist the police in preventing such economical crimes.

When visiting shopping centres or venues with large parking areas, they should ensure that their vehicle is always parked near the entrance and or exit areas.

If possible, it should be fitted with a tracking device to ensure speedy recovery should it be stolen.