Beware of mugging hot spot
Crompton Street has become a crime hotspot after several muggings were reported in the area.
A DOMESTIC worker from Pineridge, Pinetown was mugged on Thursday 8 May at approximately 7am at the Crompton Street bridge, just before the M13 Westville turnoff.
According to Justin Bosse, of the Ashley Residents Neighbourhood Watch, the woman was walking to work when the incident occurred.
It is alleged that the mugger pulled the woman down the bank and robbed her of her cell phone and handbag, and fled the scene. The woman was not assaulted.
“There was no mention of a gun. In such cases the criminals often carry knives and only produce them if the victim resists or puts up a fight,” said Bosse.
The area has become a crime ‘hot spot’, as several other muggings and smash-and-grabs have been reported in the area.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and cautious. Bosse also encouraged domestic workers to walk in groups, as this makes them less vulnerable to would-be-criminals.
Residents are also urged to report all criminal activities as soon as possible. “We need to educate people that time is everything. In many cases these incidents are only reported 20 minutes or hours later. By that time there is very little that a neighbourhood watch or the SAPS can do. If it is reported immediately patrollers can attempt to pursue the suspect or even track the stolen phone,” said Bosse.
It is also important for residents to open a case at the SAPS. “It is all about the statistics. If the statistics reveal that a lot of mugging occurs at a certain place police can increase patrols in that area,” said Bosse. Also, if residents fail to open a case the criminal can not be arrested and often returns to the streets to commit similar crimes.
Pinetown SAPS was unavailable for comment.
