Business owners talk about pavement-snatching in Melville

MELVILLE – What do business owners think of crime in Melville?

October 23, 2017

Chantelle Fourie 1 minute read

Pavements in Melville see less footprints from criminals.

Although business is booming in Melville, petty theft could be keeping patrons away from all the buzz.

Local business owners are still unsure if petty crimes are in fact keeping patrons away.

After hearing yet another report of theft from restaurant tables on the sidewalks of Melville’s trendiest restaurants, Northcliff Melville Times decided to find out from local business owners what their views of crime were.

Agnes Khumalo, a manager at a restaurant situated on 7th Street in Melville, says pavement-snitching is a problem.

Agnes Khumalo, the manager of Pablo Eggs-Go-Bar has experienced two pavement-snatching incidents recently.

Khumalo said that although incidents of pavement-snatching still occur, the problem has not worsened. She is, however, concerned about vehicles being stolen in the area.

Takunda Tameudze, the manager of IT Corner in Melville, believes vehicle theft and pavement-snatching is a big issue. This year, three incidents have already occurred and the restaurant has put waiters to task to help keep a lookout for criminals.

“In one of the incidents, there was a getaway car. One guy was standing across the road on his cellphone. He was dressed smartly. He simply came over and took the valuables off one of the tables,” said Tameudze.

Local restaurants are now installing visible CCTV cameras to deter criminals and are also encouraging patrons who work on their laptops to rather sit inside the restaurant.

But not everyone agrees…

Marina Vastinova, a bartender at Hell’s Kitchen, said she feels that there has been a decline in theft. Vastinova believes there are a lot more incidents where people return handbags, wallets or cellphones after finding it misplaced in the restaurant.

“People should just be vigilant and keep things close, otherwise someone will take an opportunity,” Vastinova said.

Other business managers on 7th Street feel crime is manageable. Even though there are problems with people stealing valuables off sidewalk tables, they feel this problem has not increased of late.

So it seems that as far as businesses go, the jury is still out on whether or not petty crime in the area is ruining the business buzz. Theft is a reality in Melville, however, community members still seem to be enjoying this unique, vibey suburb.