The number of incidents involving breaking into business premises increased during the past week compared to the previous one. During the week under review the police recorded a total of 46 incidents of Store Breaking and Theft throughout the country compared to 36 reported in the previous week.

Majority of the cases were reported in Gaborone and the surrounding areas. Mogoditshane policing area recorded 11 of the 46 cases reported.

Of particular concern is that explosives were used to destroy money safes and large sums of money stolen in the process. Three such cases were reported in Gaborone and Mahalapye.

In one of cases the police arrested four suspects after they allegedly broke and entered a business premises at Gaborone West industrial in the early hours of July 5. It is suspected that the quartet used explosive devices to break the safe that contained an undisclosed amount of money. The police recovered suspected stolen money from the culprits.

Still in Gaborone, the police are investigating a case in which another business premises at Old Gaborone Industrial Site, was broken into during the night by unknown culprits last week Tuesday.  The suspects are believed to have used explosives to blow up the money safe that was inside the store but did not succeed in opening it.

The police investigations have revealed that some of the business premises do not have adequate security. Police investigations further reveal that most of the incidents occurred during the night when businesses were closed.

The police would therefore like to urge the business community to ensure proper security of their businesses by installing security devices and employing security guards. The business community is further urged to avoid keeping large sums of money in businesses.  

CURRENT WEEKLY CASES RECORDED

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SUMMARY OF CASES/ ACCIDENTS

Signed……………………

D. Peter (ASP)

For/Public Relations Officer

Tel: 3605448