I have lived in Florida for two-and-a-half years and all I wanted was a peaceful suburb to live in, mind my own business and feel safe – which I did for the first six months.
In the time I have lived here, I have been burgled three times (the first time my 14-year-old daughter had just got home from school and was alone) and I have now had my second wheelie bin stolen. The first was stolen in November 2018 and the second on Friday, 12 April – which I purchased on 28 February.
I am a law-abiding citizen, who pays all my dues and then am asked to support the “less fortunate” when they have stolen my belongings (or damaged what they have not stolen).
A few years ago, I also fell on hard times, and with the help of relatives I have managed to get back on my feet, only for this to happen. We never resorted to crime when we had nothing. Why does poverty mean it is OK to steal from others when we have worked exceptionally hard to get what we have?
I have wonderful immediate neighbours and a dependable CPF (who helped support my daughter and also helped to retrieve my stolen articles after my last robbery). Now when I go to work, I continuously worry about what is happening in and around the suburb.
Needless to say, I will not be replacing my wheelie bin again as I am not prepared to spend another R800 to replace it. This time I have an affidavit and will hopefully get another one from Council.
I know I am not alone with all the things that have happened, and am tired of living this way.
