Take back your community, says police
The police urge the community to get more involved with neighbourhood watches, to take the area back from criminals.
BULWER Community Safety Forum held its monthly meeting at Glenwood Community Church last week.
At the meeting, chairperson, Heather Rorick, spoke about the final completion of the wall in Cleaver Road, which has been an issue in the area for many years.
“The hole in the wall in Cleaver Road has been a nightmare for our forum. The wall was knocked down in an accident around two years ago, and on patrols we have found bank cards and other goods stolen in smash and grabs, stored in the garages on the other side of the wall. These garages in Noble Road have been rented to people, who wait for traffic, dash through the hole in the wall, smash car windows and hide in the garages behind it. There has been a lot of fighting with the municipality and many emails have been sent by Wayne Grundy from Save Our Berea, resident Michelle Murphy and the ward councillor, Nicole Graham, and thankfully it has finally been fixed,” she said, congratulating all involved in this success.
She gave the floor to W/O Bonnie Padayachee from Umbilo SAPS, who spoke to residents about crime stats for August, comparing these to last year August's numbers.
“Crime stats in sector one is on the rise and residents must become more vigilant and report any suspicious activities. When retiring for the evening, please ensure all doors and windows are locked, and make sure that vehicles are secured,” he said.
Padayachee said more people should take an interest in neighbourhood watches and residents should keep their neighbours' contact details handy.
“Remember that you are the eyes and ears of your community. Crime is killing this suburb and it is time to take back your area from the criminals,” he said.
Capt Brad Varley from Umbilo SAPS said motorists should stop leaving valuable goods in their vehicles.
“There are guys walking up and down looking into cars while people are enjoying themselves at restaurants. Be vigilant,” he said.
Rorick urged residents to be aware of the man driving a white and red Kia Soul, who is targeting kindhearted residents.
“This man is telling people he has run out of petrol, which is a scam. Unfortunately nothing can be done to arrest this man for telling a tall story, and people are willingly giving him money. Please be aware of this,” she said.
