SAPS issues warnings over fraudulent work permits and car break-ins in Douglasdale
The Douglasdale police have warned residents about a sharp increase in laptop thefts from vehicles while continuing operations targeting undocumented foreign nationals and other serious crimes.
Douglasdale police are urging residents to take extra precautions after recording an apparent increase in thefts from motor vehicles.
Brigadier Veeshani Arikum, the station commander, said: “There has been a significant increase in theft out of motor vehicles where mainly laptops are taken. Members of the public are urged not to leave laptops unattended in vehicles, even for a short period of time.”
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Arikum also reminded residents that falsely reporting crimes is a criminal offence. She said that SAPS has the authority to inspect vehicles and obtain fingerprints during investigations to verify that a crime has occurred.
“Failure to produce a vehicle for investigation could amount to defeating the ends of justice.”
Arikum added that operations aimed at tackling illegal immigration, as well as other serious crimes, have continued to yield positive results over the past week.
She said, working alongside the department of home affairs, the station had arrested several undocumented foreign nationals, who were allegedly found in possession of fraudulent documentation.
According to Arikum, many of these cases have been linked to construction sites, where some workers allegedly presented fake work permits. She warned employers to be vigilant when verifying the legal status of prospective employees.
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“Home affairs does not issue a ‘general workers permit’. Employers who are uncertain about a worker’s documentation should consult the home affairs.”
Arikum said taking this step could help employers avoid legal consequences associated with employing undocumented foreign nationals.
She said the station also made several arrests during the week as part of its broader crime-fighting efforts, not only targeting illegal immigration but also addressing crime in general across the precinct. “These included cases of shoplifting, assault under the Domestic Violence Act, malicious injury to property, and rape.”
Arikum said Douglasdale SAPS remains committed to proactive policing and encouraged residents to work with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity and remaining vigilant to help reduce crime in the precinct.
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