The Sector One community of Van Riebeeck Park, Birchleigh and Edleen held a meeting on August 15 to discuss the increasing crime statistics in the sector.
Many crimes have been committed in the area since the beginning of August, including business robberies, hijackings, car theft and house break-ins.
There was a business robbery at Stop and Go Spar Tops in Van Riebeeck Park. It was noted that bottle stores were being targeted and the owners of businesses of this kind should take measures to tighten their security.
There were two hijackings in Birchleigh. In one incident the victim, a 63-year-old woman, was shot and wounded and had to be taken for medical treatment.
Two motor vehicles were stolen from the parking area at Pick n Pay Van Riebeeck Park and one at Hoërskool Jeugland.
Twenty-five house break-ins were reported at Norkem Park Police Station since the beginning of August.
A resident of Van Riebeeck Park, Joshua Smith, said he had seen how criminals marked a territory.
“They leave empty bottles outside your house to show that your house is a target. They also leave bricks pointing to your house and they memorise your daily routine from afar and break into your house,” said Smith.
The sector manager for Sector One, Sgt Barbara Ferreira, warned that the statistics were high and residents should take precautions.
“I would like people not to let their mail heap up in their post boxes, as this gives the criminal the idea that you are not home. Ask your neighbour to collect your post if you are not available,” said Ferreira.
She added that residents should avoid driving along the same route every day and at exactly the same time.
“Residents with remote-controlled gates should look around them when opening their gates,” she added.
The above, said Ferreira, are tips on how to avoid being hijacked.
If residents of Sector One note any suspicious behaviour in their area, they can contact Ferreira on 071 675 6807.
