Surge of house break-ins in Tongaat
Seventy-three cases of burglaries at residential premises were reported, an increase of 27 cases compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
Tongaat is currently grappling with a surge in house break-ins.
Chairman of the Tongaat Community Policing Forum, Nazir Sadack, said the majority of incidents are reported in the coastal areas of Tongaat, namely Westbrook and La Mercy.
Sadack acknowledges that many residents are not opening criminal cases because of their diminished confidence in the police.
But he emphasised that failing to report crime has far-reaching consequences, as “it creates a void in the pursuit of perpetrators, allowing them to continue targeting other vulnerable residents without consequence”.
Official crime statistics become skewed, ultimately presenting an inaccurate portrayal of the situation in Tongaat, which in turn influence allocation of police resources.
Tongaat Saps spokesperson, Warrant Officer Manisha Maharaj-Marie, agreed.
“For police to properly plan operations and become more effective, it is imperative that the community report cases to the police,” she said.
Recent crime statistics highlighted the escalating security concerns in Tongaat.
From April to June this year, Tongaat found itself among the top 30 stations in the province with the highest incidence of various crimes.
Notably, 73 cases of burglaries at residential premises were reported, an increase of 27 cases compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
Instances of malicious damage to property also surged, with 40 cases recorded, a rise of 14 cases compared to the previous year.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
