Criminals have targeted another house in Crawford.

Four men entered a residence in Clive Road during the early hours of Friday morning and tied up the husband and wife. The couple was also blindfolded.

Lansdowne police spokesperson Sergeant Nkululeko Mnyaka says the house was ransacked and a vehicle taken.

The Crawford area a has been rocked by a spate of home invasions in recent months.

Speaking to Radio 786 on Ward 48 councillor, Zahid Badroodien voiced worry about the police’s slow response. He says the community is being forced to fend for themselves.

Ward 48 is serviced by three difference police stations. They are Athlone, Lansdowne and Philippi.

National police chief, General Fannie Masemola has noted that criminals often strike homes between midnight and 3am from Thursday to Sunday. He says this is when thieves use the element of surprise.