The Retreat library has been shut after skurke burgled and trashed the building, stealing computer equipment worth more than R60 000.
In the third break-in reported this year alone, staff got a skrik when they arrived at work on Monday morning to find burglar bars removed, books thrown off shelves, electrical wires cut and computer equipment stolen.
Mayco member for Community Services, Zahid Badroodien, says the slippery skelms knew how to bypass the alarm system, broke the burglar bars and slipped through tiny windows to gain entry.
“The break-in occurred at about 7pm on Sunday, and the staff found the library in a state on Monday morning,” he said.
“Retreat library is one of the most secure facilities and yet they managed to get in.
“It is not clear yet, but it appears they used tools to bend the burglar bars. It’s already like a pseudo-jail and now we will have to completely brick up the windows.”
ENTRY: Burglar bars bent. Picture supplied
Badroodien says the skelms stole four new mini SmartCape computers, which had been locked in a cage, an additional four computers and a monitor, as well as a SmartCape monitor and printer, collectively worth more than
R62 000.
“They tried to take the safe, but must have realised that it was too heavy, and left it.
“They threw all the keys onto the floor in an attempt to find the safe key, but as the key wasn’t on the premises, they couldn’t find it.
“It appears that they know the facility very well as they cut all the electrical wires and knew about the safe.”
Since January, the City has submitted 58 insurance claims worth R578 000 following burglaries at Cape Town libraries.
“Our libraries are also essential facilities for matric pupils who require space to study and access educational material,” adds Badroodien.
MESS: Thugs left disarray
The Steenberg Community Police Forum’s Gavin Walbrugh says skurke are stealing from their community.
“It is their very own children that will now have to walk to Grassy Park to access a library. We are calling on residents to come forward and report the perpetrators,” he says.
Badroodien says the library will remain closed until further notice.
Report any suspicious behaviour to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone.