Police in Port Elizabeth are investigating two home invasions that took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says in the first incident a 43-year-old woman from Seaview was held at knifepoint by two suspects who gained entry by forcing open a sliding door.
The men then stole three TV sets, a laptop and two cellphones.
Naidu says in the second incident an hour later a family in Lorraine was held at knife point when three men entered the house through an open window.
She says a woman also heard noises and was confronted by three men as she went to investigate.
Naidu says the men shoved her into the bedroom where they were all tied up.
The suspects stole an Ipad, cellphone and various items of jewellery.
Police have now issued an alert to secondhand dealers and pawn shops to alert them immediately if anyone comes to sell a TV or other items that may appear suspicious.
The public is also warned to not buy expensive goods at bargain prices from dealers with dubious credentials.
Naidu also issued a warning to residents to not leave keys hanging in the door as this makes for easy access.
Several cases have been opened recently where robbers come into occupied homes to steal TV sets and other appliances.
