CPF TIP OF THE WEEK: Why reporting crime is important

It is often said that visible policing by members of the SAPS and CPF is more often seen in certain areas than in others.

Many communities often feel that their suburbs are overlooked by their local police station’s Vispol units, however visible policing operations are determined by crime statistics generated from cases reported to the relevant police stations.

This is according to Stephan Lombard, spokesperson for Sector Two CPF. He said that operations in areas facing a spate of crime are determined by cases reported to the SAPS and where case numbers are assigned via the centralised system.

“If crimes are not reported and cases not opened it is assumed that the area has no crime and has no need for additional police resources,” he said.

“The police cannot work on incidents of crime merely reported on community WhatsApp groups or other social media platforms.

“Without generated case number crimes, even though varying from petty to serious crimes, we cannot prioritise visible policing.”

He said that in cases of theft, cases should not only be reported for case numbers to be issued for insurance purposes.

“By reporting any form of crime, victims are empowered in knowing that should the suspect be arrested or stolen property recovered the judicial process has more clad to bring criminals to book,” said Stephan.

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