Edenvale police step up fight against fraud, hijackings and infrastructure theft

In recent months, several crimes have been highlighted and brought to the attention of the Bedfordview and Edenvale News as worrisome to community members and residents of the town.

The crimes highlighted and raised include fraud, hijackings, and the theft of municipal/critical infrastructure.

Although these crimes have posed a problem for residents, Edenvale SAPS and its partners emphasised that they are working hard to combat them.

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Vispol (Visible Policing) Commander for the Edenvale SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Shadrack Magcuntsu, said that, looking at the last quarter, there was an increase in fraud-related cases and hijackings during the first two months.

“In the past month, we have stabilised these cases, specifically hijackings near the freeways.

“Fraud remains a challenge to police, and many scammers will target the elderly,” said Magcuntsu.

He said the suspects contact victims through social media, sometimes by phone, pretending to be representatives of a reputable company or the bank.

“In other instances, we have seen victims fall prey to scams on the marketplace.”

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He said many fraud cases vary because they depend on the information the victim provides.

“They are not crimes we are aware of until they have been committed.”

Some tips the police provided to try to prevent fraud include:
• Do not share any banking PINS or details.
• Verify all links and information beforehand.
• Don’t accept help from strangers at an ATM
• Rather visit a bank in person than trust online information.
• If a deal sounds too good, it most likely is too good.
• When purchasing goods from a marketplace, meet in person at a public place.

Critical infrastructure

The police station has also partnered with Calvin and Family Security to protect critical infrastructure in town.

Kabelo Malema of Calvin and Family Security explained that their mandate is to maintain and protect municipal infrastructure.

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He explained that DB boxes, cables, mini substations and other electrical infrastructure are being targeted by criminals.

“In Edenvale, one of our headaches is the suspects targeting the mini subs connected to the street light poles.

“Not only does this affect the lights in the residential areas, but the whole street line,” said Malema.

Magcuntsu said in recent months, four suspects have been arrested on charges related to the theft and damage of municipal infrastructure.

Malema explained that many of the suspects use wire cutters and bolt cutters to damage and steal infrastructure.

He said much of the stolen infrastructure is sold to scrap metal dealers.

Malema said many of those committing these crimes are either vagrants, recyclers or opportunistic criminals.

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“The arrests are made during the early hours of the morning, when it is dark and quiet, and these individuals are less likely to be seen,” said Malema.

Bolstering law enforcement

To help further bolster crime-fighting efforts in Edenvale, the Edenvale CPF chairperson, Sheryl Damerell, said the CPF was recently provided with radios to ensure better and swifter communication.

“There are 39 police stations in Ekurhuleni, and each of the respective CPFs has been given a radio linked to 10111.

“We are now in constant communication with SAP, the surrounding stations and other law enforcement agencies.

She said the radio helps improve communication, especially when critical infrastructure is down or during emergencies.