Two spoons were the only items left by brazen criminals who broke into a shipping container used as a base by the Seawinds Neighbourhood Watch and the Young Ones Seniors’ Club in St Patrick Avenue.
Members of the seniors’ club and neighbourhood watch are urging anyone with information about last week’s break-in to come forward and help catch the culprits who stole a computer, sewing machine, groceries, art work, kitchen appliances, utensils and several other items.
Lisa Smith, chairwoman of the seniors’ club and neighbourhood watch, said the burglars took everything they received through donations over the past 10 years.
“We have nothing left, they stole everything from chairs, food, our stove, cutlery and plates. I feel so despondent and we even thought about closing for good because this has been a huge blow to us,” she
said.
On Sunday April 30 residents in the area alerted Ms Smith that the shipping container’s doors were open. On further inspection she found it had been ransacked.
“All we are trying to do as an organisation is to help the elderly and young children through programmes. Pensioners from the area come here because it is a safe place for them to have a cup of tea, interact with other elders, play games, share their stories and get away from their daily struggles for a bit. The people who stole everything from us have no heart and it’s probably people from our community,” said Ms Smith.
A housebreaking and theft case has been opened at Muizenberg police station.
“The rear steel doors of the container were forced open and all the appliances inside the containers were stolen. Among these items were a black four-plate Kelvinator stove, a two-plate gas burner with a gas bottle, a Defy fridge, dish washer as well as various chairs, crockery and cut-
lery.
“This has had a devastating effect on the neighbourhood watch members and has adversely affected their ability to run the Young Ones club, which caters for senior citizens in the surrounding areas,” said Muizenberg police spokesperson, Captain Stephen Knapp.
“We are appealing to anybody with any information to please contact us.”
Ward 67 councillor Gerry Gordon encouraged residents to assist the organisations.
“I appeal to the community to please assist by donating appliances, any groceries and other goods to the organisations as they’re doing good work in the community,” said Ms Gordon.
Detective Warrant Officer Ivan Rogers can be contacted on 021 787 9000/14/15 if you have any information about the break-in.
Anyonewithdonationsof appliances,groceries,chairs, games or any other items can
contact Ms Smith on 063 227 6696 or Gerry Gordon on 082 825 0511.
