Residents impressed with Cleveland SAPS
Although house robberies have decreased in the precinct, police officers are patrolling the suburb constantly and conducting operations in the hopes of decreasing these crimes further.
Residents who attended the Kensington Crime Forum recently were impressed with the number of successes the Cleveland SAPS has had in recent months.
The Cleveland SAPS was commended for its efforts, especially with the arrest of five people in connection with house robberies.
Warrant Officer Marx Crouse, the sector manager for the suburb, parts of which fall under the Cleveland SAPS, said the men were traced, arrested and linked to some of the house robberies.
“It was established that one of the suspects was using his girlfriend’s vehicle to commit the crimes. The vehicle was meant to be used to transport people from a shopping centre to their homes. However, when the vehicle was not in use for this job, the suspects used it to commit crimes. One of the suspects would keep watch while the others conducted the crimes,” said W/O Crouse.
Some of the incidents included that of two women, one of whom was a domestic worker, who were threatened with a screwdriver.
The criminals stole jewellery and other items before fleeing the scene.
This was followed by an incident in Suffolk Road. A couple was having supper when the suspects entered the house. Again, a screwdriver was pointed at them while the robbery took place.
A street guard followed the suspects and provided information to the SAPS. They were found and arrested soon after.
“These men were not afraid of victims seeing their faces. They never covered their faces. Since the arrests, we have noted a decrease in house robberies. We are trying to establish if they were involved in other crimes,” said W/O Crouse.
Although house robberies have decreased in the precinct, police officers are patrolling the suburb constantly and conducting operations in the hopes of decreasing these crimes further.
“We urge people to report crimes, no matter how small they are. There was an incident in which criminals tried to force open a large wooden door at the entrance of a property. The suspects were trying to gain entry into the property and although they did not escape with anything, incidents such as these must be reported. This helps the SAPS determine where problem areas are. We also urge people to stop parking on pavements outside properties, if possible. Try to park in a secure area. This will help prevent theft of, and out of, vehicles,” he said.
The next meeting will take place on June 4 at the Kensington Bowling Club. The meeting will start at 6.30pm.
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