Letter: Rising vagrancy and drug users in Bedfordview concerns locals
Day by day there is an increasing number of vagrants and beggars positioning themselves at various intersections in Bedfordview.
This letter to the editor serves to raise awareness and concern as a Bedfordview resident.
Day by day there is an increasing number of vagrants and beggars positioning themselves at various intersections in Bedfordview.
From Kloof and Van der Linder road, Van Der Linder and Smith, Regent and Smith as well as Kirby and Economides.
ALSO READ: Law enforcement units combat crime in joint operation
These individuals are not only begging at the various intersections mentioned above but are beginning to sleep in the area as well after using drugs.
On an early morning cycle, two of these said individuals were seen sharing a needle and getting high on supply in Regent Street.
On another morning they were sleeping under the bus stop on Regent Street.
Not so long ago another one had passed out intoxicated outside a residence on Talisman Avenue.
Another one was high as a kite on the corner of Talisman and Kloof and another two had set up a shelter next to the stream in the non-fenced-off park area of Oriel.
ALSO READ: Mayor urges residents to be safe during festive amid increasing crimes
None of this is good for the area, the resident’s safety and the safety of our children.
As their drug demand will inevitably result in a supply, unless addressed, we can expect to see more drug suppliers enter the area.
In addition, as they try and sustain their habit without an income, they could resort to crime in the area.
This whole situation is very troubling. How can this problem be curbed?
From a concerned resident.
