SAPS provides crime prevention tips
Residents who did not attend the Kensington Crime Forum meeting recently missed out on crime-related information and a chance to interact with sector managers.
People who attended the meeting were provided with safety tips and informed about what crimes are problematic at the moment.
“While the theft of motor vehicles decreased, we picked up an increase in theft out of motor vehicles. Do not leave belongings lying around in vehicles in view of other people. Make sure you do not leave your belongings lying on seats, even while parked at shopping centres,” said the Cleveland SAPS sector 1 manager, Warrant Officer Marx Crouse.
He urged people to refrain from parking vehicles on pavements and driveways as well. He said people should try to park in secure locations.
He also urged people who cannot reach sector police officers on sector phone numbers to call 10111. “Make sure you obtain a reference number. If you are unable to obtain assistance, call me and I will investigate what transpired,” said W/O Crouse.
His contact number is 082 499 0197.
Sergeant Patrick Tefu, the Jeppe SAPS sector 1 manager, said people who are served by the Jeppe SAPS should contact him if they are unable to contact officers in a sector vehicle. He can be contacted on 079 886 3543.
“If there is an emergency, call 10111. You could be wasting time in an emergency if you contact a sector vehicle. A sector vehicle could be attending to another crime. It is best to call 10111 because available police officers will attend. People also tend to call the police first if someone is stabbed or shot for example. In instances like this, first call an ambulance. It could save the person’s life. Then contact the SAPS,” he said.
He said several residents have started street committees and urged others to do so. “Crime in certain areas is problematic. The SAPS appreciate residents, such as those in Somerset Road, establishing street committees. Without street committees and neighbourhood watch groups, crime is difficult to address. Lack of communication between the SAPS and community is not good. Please communicate with us,” he said.
He said theft out of motor vehicles in the Jeppe SAPS precinct is also challenging to deal with at the moment. “Several youngsters are breaking into vehicles. They are selling the items they steal to buy drugs. We are also trying to address drug dealing in the precinct. There are also some elderly people selling drugs because they are ‘trying to earn a living’. Several people who were arrested for theft of vehicles are repeat offenders. They were arrested, released on bail and they committed crimes again. Those who were arrested again are now behind bars,” said Sgt Tefu.
He urged people to be vigilant and report vagrants and loiterers.
“We suspect some house breakings are committed by vagrants. There are several people loitering in streets, sitting at street corners and watching residents. Some mean no harm but there are some who are actually criminals.
“I saw a person sitting on a pavement a while ago. I checked his phone and found he was communicating with his friends who were breaking into properties. Sometimes people fight with us and question why we are ‘harassing’ vagrants and people who loiter. We have to remove them and also determine if they are involved in crimes. We check if they are wanted in connection with any crimes,” said Sgt Tefu.
He also urged people to make sure they are wary when entering or leaving their properties. “Hijackings are a concern. Be vigilant when entering and leaving your property. Drive into your property when it is safe to do so. Also, do not park in secluded places or on streets and chat. Criminals wait for these opportunities,” he said.
