Reports of contact crimes, including rape, assault and domestic violence, decreased over the festive period.

However, a spike in house robberies, break-ins, and theft of motor vehicles has been recorded.

This is according to Benoni Police Station’s spokesperson, Captain Nomsa Sekele.

“Analysis of the crime statistics over the festive period shows that crime throughout the city decreased,” she said.

“This can be attributed to heightened patrols, visible policing, and concentrated crime prevention operations.”

Sekele noted with concern that incidents of house robbery as well as house break-ins have increased throughout Sector 2, which includes Airfield, Alphen Park, Arrowe Park, Farrarmere, Goedeburg and Northmead.

According to the Benoni CPF, the following incidents were reported from December 21 to January 6:
• Three cases of theft of motor vehicles.
• Five house break-ins.
• Three house robberies.
• One attempted house break-in.
• One attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
• One street robbery.

A dark coloured Audi sedan was believed to have been used in house break-ins in Kwartz Street, Farraremere, and in a second incident in Silver Street, Goedeburg.

A silver Toyota Cross is alleged to have been used during an armed home invasion in Letaba Street, Farrarmere, on December 23.

“A decrease in certain crimes should not be cause for celebration,” said Sekele.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant at all times, to ensure that their homes are adequately secured and to report any suspicious persons or vehicles to their private security provider, the CPF, or CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS mobile app. Let’s work together to bring those criminal activities to book.”

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