CRIME trends, hotspots and tips are some of the agenda topics which will be discussed at the Westville Community Policing Forum (CPF) public meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 20.

Crimes such as remote jamming, copper pipe theft and raising caution about the so called “Hugging Gang” are some of the issues which will be on the table at the meeting set to be attended by the Westville SAPS, the Durban Metro Police Department, and Ward councillors, among other stakeholders.

The communications officer at the Westville SAPS, Captain Elizabeth Squires, said a report from the station’s commander, Colonel Sharon Zamantungwa Sihlangu, will be presented to attendees, who will also be advised on behaviours, which include ensuring that no valuables are left in vehicles.

The chairperson of the CPF, Clinton Hill, encouraged residents to attend the meeting because it will provide them with an “opportunity and platform to ask questions and engage” with law enforcement officers and councillors.

Hill said the meeting is also significant as the Silly Season approaches, which usually sees a spike in crime incidents.

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Hill’s suggestion on possible interventions to curb the theft of copper pipes is that residents who are able to do so, should change to plastic, and that the police should do more to track down where these materials are bought from thieves.

On the so called “Hugging Gang”, Hill cautioned that their modus operandi involves approaching a target, hugging them, and at that moment pick-pocketing them of valuables such as cellphones.

“They operate outside supermarkets and filling stations, most of the time,” said Hill.

He advised residents and business owners to tighten security measures, ensure they remain vigilant, and also report crimes.

“The reason people need to come to the meeting is that they need to know what is happening, what type of crimes are an issue, and where are these happening,” said Hill.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 18:00 at the Westville Girls High School.

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