WESTVILLE residents have been urged to exercise caution and be vigilant as there has been a drastic increase in motor vehicle theft in the area.

Westville SAPS communications officer, Captain Elizabeth Squires, said vehicles are being taken from residences during the night as well as at events.

“We are urging our community and visitors to avoid parking their motor vehicles where there is no security, to please make sure that all doors, windows and the boot of their vehicle are closed and properly locked. Refrain from leaving valuables in vehicles,” said Squires.

The police in Westville have also noted an alarming spike in the number of fraud cases and have appealed to the community to “always be suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true” and to “please think before you click”.

Another concern noted by the Westville SAPS has been the significant rise in the theft of copper cables and pipes as well as the tampering and damaging of infrastructure within its policing area.

Last week an intelligence-driven operation led SAPS members, including the Westville Crime Prevention Unit, to a house in Chesterville where illegal copper scrap dealing was taking place.

“Two suspects aged 19 and 28 were arrested and detained on various charges, including possession of stolen property. The suspects appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on May 26,” said Squires.

Squires further encouraged Westville residents to attend a Community Policing Forum (CPF) public meeting on May 28 at Westville Girls High School at 18:00.

“We encourage our community to attend this meeting; their participation will be welcomed as well as any concerns that are raised,” said Squires.

Also read: Westville SAPS helps bust scrapyard with stolen goods

The CPF said the public meeting was prompted by the spate of serious crime that requires urgent action, including house break-ins, hijackings and violent crimes.

At the meeting attendees can expect to learn about crime trends from law enforcement experts and about community initiatives implemented to curb incidences of crime.

Meanwhile, Ward 92 (which comprises parts of Clermont, Reservoir Hills and Westville) DA PR councillor Smoh Xulu said each of these areas face distinct security challenges.

“In Westville and Reservoir Hills, residential break-ins are the primary concern. Those are mitigated by widespread use of private security services. These communities have established effective neighbourhood watch systems through WhatsApp groups.

“Clermont faces more severe challenges stemming from high unemployment, particularly among youth. This has contributed to increased drug use, hijackings, break-ins, and other criminal activities in the area.

“These contrasting situations within Ward 92 demonstrate the need for targeted approaches to address both immediate security concerns and underlying socio-economic factors,” said Xulu.

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