THE Durban Central police station has noticed an increase in cases related to vehicle theft in the North Beach and surrounding areas.

Sergeant Zanele Khomo, spokesperson for SAPS Durban Central, shared, “This has been identified by the Station Commander’s daily crime meeting, where all six sectors’ crime is discussed. It has been noted that in the Beach Patrol Unit (BPU) Sector 5, there has been an increase in theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles.

“This is a result of people who come to the beach in early or late hours to perform their rituals at the beach, swimming, or staying at the hotels; they leave their vehicles unattended or they leave their valuables exposed, which attract the criminals to break into their vehicles,” Khomo said.

Also read: Spike in car theft in North Beach concerns police

She urged the community to leave someone to look after the vehicle, or park where car guards are wearing vests.
“Police have increased patrolling with blue lights and on foot in those identified areas, however vehicles are parked in different places, therefore making it impossible to keep all of them safe.
“We also urge the community to work together with police in order to prevent such crimes. Motorists attending to events, including soccer and rugby, are also urged to use demarcated parking with car guards for safety of vehicles.”

Also read: Keyless car theft a concerning reality

The chairperson of North Beach CPF (Sector 5), Mahomed Essa, has assured the community that the North Beach CPF is working closely with Durban Central SAPS and private security companies to address the recent rise in vehicle-related crimes across the beachfront and surrounding areas.
“The additional North Beach CPF and private security patrols have been deployed in identified hotspot zones, supported by the CPF’s active Eyes and Ears network, assisting SAPS during early-morning and late-night hours,” he said.
Essa emphasised that through partnership involving SAPS, North Beach CPF, private security and the public, North Beach can continue to be a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

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