Thieves set to nick festive joy

2007-12-07 07:20

Yolande Hayward

Port Elizabeth - Make sure that an alarm system, burglar-proofing and security officers are on that list you are about to send off to Father Christmas.

That warning comes from security companies in the Nelson Mandela metro area, who say that as Father Christmas and his reindeer drop off presents under Christmas trees, thieves follow thick and fast in getaway cars to whip them away.

Not only the gifts are at risk, either- it looks as if thieves have an eye for glittering Christmas decorations.

Monty Montgomery of Atlas Security said even a plastic Star of Bethlehem on a Christmas tree sometimes did a disappearing trick overnight.

According to him, thieves are just as excited about Christmas as regular folk- only, for a different reason.

Montgomery said there was a marked increase in crime in the period leading up to the festive season, especially robberies and burglaries.

The figures for the past year reflect this trend.

There have been 15 063 burglaries and 263 house robberies in the Eastern Cape this year.

Inspector Hazel Maqala agrees that crime probably will begin to increase from now until Christmas.

Remember, said Montgomery, don't display Christmas trees in front of open windows. It's an open invitation for unintended recipients to make off with a few of the Christmas presents.

Hot favourites for thieves

"As much as you want to show off your up-to-date new tree to the neighbours, remember that you're inviting the keenest of all Christmas shoppers, the thieves, into your house."

Giant plasma TV screens, DVD players, hi-fi systems and other household luxuries are the hot favourites among upmarket thugs.

Maqala said these were items that most often disappeared at Christmas.

But, who tips the thieves off that there's a giant TV screen under the Christmas tree?

Well, says Montgomery, it's as easy as watching what rubbish you put out for collection.

"One often throws away the container when you gift-wrap the present. That tips them off what you have in the house, and they pounce," he said.

But be of good cheer- the security companies will be working closely with police to keep Christmas crime to a minimum this year.

- Die Burger