According to police, housebreakings are a widespread occurrence and community members need to be vigilant and step up their security measures, especially over the festive season.
This was one of the matters discussed when concerned community members, representatives of security companies and police officers gathered to talk about the previous month’s crime issues at the monthly CPF meeting on November 10.
To the concern of most members, thieves are reportedly looting homes while the occupants are asleep, instead of waiting until the family isn’t home. Items that are targeted include laptops, televisions, grinders and other tools. Several cases of gate motors being stolen had also been reported and residents were warned to sufficiently safeguard them.
The CPF chairman urged residents to install outside beams, increase their security and also regularly test their alarm systems to ensure they work in case of emergency.
Farmers and residents of smallholdings were reminded that their security needed to cover outside buildings as well.
Theft out of motor vehicles is still a concern and Tourism Safety Monitors (in their recognisable yellow reflector jackets) had been placed in the CBD, and especially at White River Square, in an attempt to combat it.
Rocky Drift was also cited as a hot spot and it was mentioned that trucks staying in the area overnight were being targeted. Police continue to keep a close eye on Msholozi as crime waves seem to sporadically hit the settlement. October was a bad month, with cases of attempted murder and murder being reported.
There was also a protest by community members demanding jobs at a local crusher company, which ended in public violence and malicious damage to property. Domestic violence also made up a big part of the increasing number of assault cases reported.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Child Abuse (November 25 to December 8), police officers will visit Msholozi to inform and educate women and children on how to protect themselves and how police can assist them in a case of domestic violence.
A local compound will also be visited in order to reach farm workers in the area with the same message.
In light of the increase of crime activities expected over the festive season, police requested security companies to aid them in their fight against crime.
A topic that sparked a heated debate, was the number of cases in Spioenkop involving people reportedly being drugged, robbed and dropped off in plantations.
According to the area’s representative, the problem with the situation was that the cases were serious but either not being reported or not properly followed up as victims were totally disorientated after their ordeals and unable to assist the police.
Both the CPF committee and police undertook to keep an eye on and an ear out for such incidents and to assist and follow up where possible.
The next meeting will be held at the White River Police Station at 18:00 on December 8 to discuss the last issues of the year.
Read about other recent CPF meetings and discussions:
Measures to keep up decrease in crime discussed
Police and community meet to discuss crime issues
Burglary and theft are still rife in the area
