THERE has been an almost 30 per cent increase in contact crimes such as armed robbery and hijacking across Durban.
This is according to Blue Security operations director Hank van Bemmelen, who said the company’s statistics revealed a 28 per cent rise during the month of April.
“There were 32 armed robberies and hijackings reported during the month of April compared to 22 in March. The last time such a high number of contact crimes were recorded was after the festive season where 31 contact crimes were perpetrated in January,” van Bemmelen said.
He said the upsurge in these crimes could possibly be partly attributed to the fact that it was a month full of holidays when criminals may have anticipated that many people would be away and that homes and business premises would be left empty.
He said the armed robberies and hijackings had been reported across the city in Glenmore, along with Chatsworth, Clare Estate, Hillcrest, Pinetown, Warner Beach, Glen Anil and Mount Edgecombe, among other areas. Some of the worst hit areas with multiple incidents were Morningside, Pinetown, New Germany, Glen Anil and Clare Estate.
“Unfortunately it appears this month has also started off on a negative note with seven contact crimes already reported to the company during the first week of May, mostly in the same worst affected areas as last month,” van Bemmelen said.
Van Bemmelen said the recent spate of crimes ranged from hijackings in driveways to armed robberies at homes and businesses as well as muggings in the street.
“Armed robbers have been targeting business managers and owners early in the morning and at night as they are opening and closing their premises. The two most recent incidents took place at Kings Park and in Umhlatazana in Chatsworth,” van Bemmelen said.
Van Bemmelen urged residents and motorists to be vigilant when arriving home and leaving work in the evenings.
“Especially now that it is starting to get dark earlier, residents need to be alert when driving, stopping at traffic lights and when pulling into and out of their driveways. If you notice anything suspicious such as a loiterer or a strange vehicle parked near your property that makes you feel uncomfortable, rather drive around the block and call your security company or the police to investigate,” Van Bemmelen said.
He advised business owners to consider installing external beams and CCTV surveillance cameras with warning signs stating that activities were being recorded.
“External beams provide an early warning system against intruders and cameras act as a deterrent that can also help the police with their investigations,” he said.
