This followed numerous armed robberies and attacks in the area in the latter months of 2013.
Since then organisations like the Sabie Valley Neighbourhood Security (SVNS) and the Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism have been pivotal in making both residents and tourists feel much safer.
Several communication structures such as WhatsApp groups and radio networks have aided in speedily reacting to suspicious activities and incidences of crime.
A resident of Sabie valley recently remarked that they used to lie awake at night and listen to the activity on the radio networks, but thanks to the various safety and security organisations, they can now sleep in peace once more.
Besides an armed robbery at a local restaurant last week, no serious crimes have taken place recently.
It took place on June 22 at around 21:30, as the staff were locking up for the night. Three masked men held up four employees and the last few customers, before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash, liquor and a customer’s handbag.
“We can’t say a certain crime is prevalent at the moment. It seems like criminals mostly make use of opportunities they come across,” Col Patrick Makamu, Hazyview Station commander stated.
Community members, especially in the villages, are urged not to expose valuable property and tempt burglars and thieves. Property of value should be kept out of sight of windows and out of reach. Smaller items can be kept in drawers and wardrobes when they’re not in use.
The police made several arrests during a routine operation in town last weekend. Nine people were arrested for drinking in public, two for selling counterfeit CDs and two for illegal gambling.
Joos van der Merwe of Spes-Plan Security said May and June have been quieter on the crime front. Based on previous years’ statistics, crime usually increases during holiday times as there is an influx of visitors, but they can only wait and see whether the pattern will hold.
According to a Hi-Tech Security official, they’ve also experienced a lull in crime these past few weeks. Several attempted break-ins have been reported, but most criminals fled before doing any significant damage.
The official urged residents to ensure that their alarms were working and to regularly contact their security companies to test their panic buttons and alarm signals. “It’s better to be prepared and ensure that your alarm is active and in working condition than to be in a dangerous situation and find out it’s not.”
