Opportunistic skelms are using the 21-day lockdown to target businesses that have stopped operating.
More than 16 suspects have been arrested in the CBD since the weekend for breaking into businesses such as Bob’s Bar, Harrington’s and other businesses in Long Street.
Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) safety and security manager Muneeb Hendricks said the crimes were sporadic and opportunistic, and occurred in various precincts throughout the CBD.
In the biggest arrest, which took place on Sunday, seven suspects were held for breaking into Lily’s Baby Shop on the corner of Plein and Strand street.
Three suspects were also arrested on Sunday for breaking into Revelas Fisheries in Long Street, and another two arrested for a house break-in on the corner of Buitengracht and Wale Street.
“The break-ins committed during the first three days of lockdown were opportunists who tried to take advantage of the situation, but the CCID immediately shut down their windows of opportunity,” Hendricks said.
“CCID public safety officers managed to catch 14 suspects who, with the assistance of the SAPS, were arrested over this three-day period. Since then, crime has all but ground to a halt in the CBD.”
Bob’s District Six was also hit on Saturday but the officers managed to apprehend two suspects.
Owner Andy Heynes said: “The incident happened at 7pm on Saturday. They broke into the smoking section and stole over R10 000 of alcohol.
“It’s hard, especially in a time where our business is closed and there is no income coming in.”
Police spokesperson, Noloyiso Rwexana said: “Police are fully focused on business break-ins and arrested a total of 15 suspects on four cases of business breaking so far.”
Cape Argus