SAPS issues warning for festive season
Police officers are patrolling these hotspots on a daily basis while communication services and social crime prevention officers are conducting operations regularly.
The community is urged to work with the police to fight crime in their neighbourhood.
As the Jeppe SAPS plans further operations to combat crime over the upcoming festive season, residents have been urged to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Warrant Officer Richard Munyai, the Jeppe SAPS communications officer, said the station has already started its festive season operations. These operations will continue until January 10.
W/O Munyai said he foresees business robberies and smash-and-grabs being some of the problematic crimes in the precinct.
“We are experiencing problems with business robberies and smash-and-grab incidents at traffic lights at the moment. People should be careful in Sivewright Avenue at the Currey, Error and Van Beek street intersections in Doornfontein, and Heidelberg and Vickers roads in City Deep.
“These are the crimes that take place throughout the year but increase during the festive season,” said W/O Munyai.
Police officers are patrolling these hotspots on a daily basis while communication services and social crime prevention officers are conducting operations regularly.
“People should be vigilant when visiting ATMs and going away on holidays. We have already issued warning pamphlets. People must not visit secluded ATMs, not withdraw large amounts of cash and not allow strangers to assist them. Make sure the lights at home are on at night and off during the day to avoid signalling to criminals that you are away on holiday,” said W/O Munyai.
He said the patrols and stop-and-search operations have increased. Support services and detectives are assisting with patrols.
The SAPS will also not tolerate people who drive under the influence of alcohol. “We have operations to catch people who drive under the influence of liquor, and vehicles and occupants are searched. We also conduct operations with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and City Parks,” said W/O Munyai.
SARS deals will illegal spaza shops and other businesses. The CoJ and City Parks addresses council-related concerns that contribute to crime such as the lack of street lighting.
W/O Munyai said other factors that contribute to crime, such as liquor outlets, are also being addressed.
“People get bonuses and visit liquor outlets. The Jeppe SAPS is visiting those liquor outlets to check if they are legal or illegal and making sure they adhere to the liquor laws.
“We also have social crime prevention officers distributing pamphlets on substance abuse, domestic violence, house breaking, theft and other crimes,” said W/O Munyai.
