Aus couple fight off armed intruders, foil break-in

A BURGLAR alarm halted an attempted break-in at the Namib Garage at Aus in the South during the early hours of Friday.

The owner of Namib Garage, Karin Prinsloo, yesterday told The Namibian that she and her husband were woken up by the alarm at around 02h50. Prinsloo said about five men ran off after her husband started shooting at them, leaving behind equipment used to break open safes.”One of the thieves, who was standing guard outside while the others were forcing their way into the garage, responded with fire after we started firing at the suspects,” Prinsloo said.The suspects are believed to be linked to the recent spate of burglaries in the South.The thieves have already struck at Keetmanshoop, Bethanie, Rosh Pinah and Maltahoehe, and focus on safes where valuable items and money are kept.Prinsloo said a neighbourhood watch had been set up to deter housebreaking at the tiny settlement.”We’ve exchanged phone numbers, vehicles and are ready to respond with firearms to any intruders,” Prinsloo warned.She added that security had been stepped up at the garage.A reward, amount not disclosed, has been offered for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.No arrest has been made yetPrinsloo said about five men ran off after her husband started shooting at them, leaving behind equipment used to break open safes.”One of the thieves, who was standing guard outside while the others were forcing their way into the garage, responded with fire after we started firing at the suspects,” Prinsloo said.The suspects are believed to be linked to the recent spate of burglaries in the South.The thieves have already struck at Keetmanshoop, Bethanie, Rosh Pinah and Maltahoehe, and focus on safes where valuable items and money are kept. Prinsloo said a neighbourhood watch had been set up to deter housebreaking at the tiny settlement.”We’ve exchanged phone numbers, vehicles and are ready to respond with firearms to any intruders,” Prinsloo warned.She added that security had been stepped up at the garage.A reward, amount not disclosed, has been offered for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.No arrest has been made yet