IN the past week, two houses were burgled by armed robbers using the homeowners’ luxury cars as getaway vehicles.
Last Monday, a Veldenvlei home was raided by one suspect who took household valuables and fled in the residents’ VW sedan.
He was caught driving the stolen car during a SAPS stop-and-search in eSikhawini the next morning and was arrested.
On Wednesday, four armed men barged into a Brackenham house.
Only the domestic worker was home.
She was held up at gunpoint and locked in a bedroom while the suspects ransacked the house.
The burglars stole jewellery, a large amount of cash and household goods before absconding in the family’s Mercedes-Benz.
Less than two hours later, the vehicle was found abandoned in eSikhawini with false number plates by Tracker operatives after they had activated the car’s tracking device.
Richards Bay police examined the Mercedes for finger prints and other possible leads.
None of the four suspects have yet been arrested.
‘We urge residents to always keep their vehicle’s spare keys in a safe and the main set of keys on their person when they leave the house in a different vehicle,’ said Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson, Captain Debbie Ferreira.
‘Ensure your domestic worker knows to keep doors locked between going in and out to hang washing or clean outside.
‘Also advise them to never open the door to anyone unless arrangements have been made for house calls and details are communicated to them.’
