CPF backed into a corner by escalated crime in Aerorand
The handful of volunteers that assist in community policing cannot keep up with the escalating crime in Aerorand and are calling for backup from other residents.
A member of CPF sector 3.2, Quintin Coetzee, who polices the area near Lebombo Street, says that he is one of four men who cover their area.
He reports that break ins in his area have gotten so out of hand that there is an estimate of two to three break ins a night.
An incident that took place in Lebombo Street on Friday morning at 03:10 was caught on CCTV footage.
The footage shows two suspects crawling around on the ground to avoid triggering the alarm beams before they managed to haul off some speakers.
Quintin explained that the thieves managed to force open a trellis door to the house which then triggered the alarm. The thieves grabbed the speakers and fled.
“Residents are fed up with the raging crime in our area, and the three suspects who broke in recently are involved in most of the other incidents. We have such clear footage of them and one of the perpetrators has been caught three times already but the police just lets him go.”
Quintin added that there were five break ins in one night alone, in Lebombo Street last week.
“Aerorand residents are too scared to sleep at night and feel like they can’t rely on protection from the police.”
Quintin has encouraged residents to get involved with their forum to help patrol their areas and report incidents.
Anyone who wishes to join the CPF sectors in Aerorand can call Quintin on 082 577 3506 or Dirk Strydom on 082 387 0069.
