GEORGE NEWS - A resident of Camphersdrift is up in arms after a break-in and theft at his home by vagrants, who have moved onto a nearby property that is rented by the police for staff. The property has been standing empty for months.

The resident, Steve Smit says they found the stolen goods afterwards at this police property at 5 Sandy McGregor Street. During the break-in, the entrance gate to the Smits' home was damaged and will cost R13 000 to repair.

Smit says the police house used to be occupied by the Commissioner of police, but he vacated it some 18 months ago. "Since then, the house has deteriorated badly and is totally unkept. We are a very proud neighbourhood and have invested a lot of money in our properties and we pay heavy rates and taxes, but our properties are being devalued as a result. We take pride in our homes and are very unhappy with the state of this house."

Smit says he has communicated with the police on a number of occasions regarding residents' fears and the danger posed to them, but to no avail.

"It is disgusting that we have to live in fear of being watched and being taken advantage of, and the culprits of the negligence are the SAPS themselves. We pay heavy rates and taxes and have a common right to safety and security. Our protectors, the police, have total disregard for the situation. Taxpayers' money is being abused and wasted."

Other neighbours have gone so far as to raise their boundary wall to shield their properties from the vagrants.
Heavy, unsightly burglar proofing has been installed on the outside of the windows of the house.

Police spokesperson Capt. Malcolm Pojie said the burglar bars were installed because the house was vandalised after the General had moved out. "The member to whom the house was allocated is currently on maternity leave and will move in soon. Arrangements have been made for renovations to the house. Thereafter, the member will be fully responsible for its maintenance. The George station commander has also ordered that these sites (police properties) be patrolled more regularly to keep unwanted people and activities out."

No comment was received from the municipality.

* 'n Inwoner van Camphersdrift is woedend ná 'n inbraak en diefstal by sy huis deur hawelose mense wat by 'n nabygeleë eiendom ingetrek het wat deur die polisie gehuur word. Polisielede word in die huis geakkommodeer, maar dit staan al vir 18 maande leeg.


Uncut grass and rubbish in the garden of 5 Sandy McGregor Street.

ARTICEL: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST