Police stations attribute easing of lockdown rules and sale of alcohol as the key contributors to the increase in crime Police Stations in the Northcliff Melville Times distribution area have confirmed that crime has been on the rise since the country moved down to level three of its lockdown on 1 June. The increase in violent crimes such as murders and rapes have grabbed the attention of the public as they look to exercise their rights and freedoms after weeks of being on lockdown. Within the region, crimes such as Assault, theft of Motor Vehicles, theft of cell phones and residential burglaries have been on the rise including other contact crimes. The easing of lockdown regulations has been attributed as one of the reasons why crime has returned in the way in which it has. Fairland Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Clive de Freitas explained, “During the hard lockdown it was very difficult for criminals to move around in public without being noticed. Now that the Country is relaxing the lockdown and there is movement again, criminals are finding it easier to move around again without being noticed.” The selling of alcohol has also contributed to the increasing according to Brixton and Sophiatown Police stations spokespeople. Brixton police’s Jeanette Backhoff stated, “Since the alcohol restriction was uplifted people in the community are misusing it and it leads to gender-based violence against women and children.” Sophiatown’s Captain TJ de Bruyn supported this saying that alcohol has been a leading contributor to crime in their region. The stations have reminded the public that the increasing crime trend is likely to continue but vowed to do all they can fight it. As more people turn to crime during these tough economic conditions, petty crimes will increase while the other criminals will continue to take any chance they can get. Fairland’s De Freitas said, “We just have to be security conscious and do what we can to protect ourselves, our family and our property.” Residents have been advised to make emergency contact details such as the police, paramedics, security companies, CPF’s and other safety and security structures, accessible to all. The Police will continue targeted crime prevention operations in hot spot areas across their policing precincts. Sophiatown’s De Bruyn expressed, “The Station as always will do our utmost best to serve and protect the community, this includes patrols and high visibility.” The Police have also thanked security companies for assisting them with their efforts and hopes they can continue to work together.
