Student communes targeted by criminals
Latest analysis shows increase in house robberies and break-ins over past three months with students living in communes.
Students in Brixton have become easy targets for crime. Recent crime threat analysis by police show that house robberies and break-ins have increased with students bearing the brunt of the attacks.
Brixton Police Station’s spokesperson Jeanette Backhoff said, “For the past three months these crimes have drastically increased due to the fact that students are easy targets. In most cases, items that were taken are laptops, note books, cellphones, and cash.”
Backoff added that in 99% of these cases opened by victims, it is clear on investigation that access to the houses was obtained through open doors, windows or safety gates.
The station’s Social Crime Prevention Unit, with the assistance of the sector managers and the youth desk, had a door-to-door crime awareness where safety tips on property-related crimes were distributed with emergency numbers.
“Brixton SAPS Crime Prevention Unit, Client Service Centre with the assistance of security companies and our community patrollers, are doing everything to catch the perpetrators and to bring them to book, but we need the community to assist, by safeguarding their own property,” said Backhoff.
The station gave the following safety tips:
1) Always remember to close all windows, doors and gates.
2) Don’t let valuables be visible. Always lock them away when not in use.
3) Leave a light on in the yard and in the house when you are out during the evening.
4) Try not to leave the house alone, always move in groups.
5) Know your room mates’ schedule and emergency contact numbers.
6) Always let someone know what time you will be at home if you go out and try to stick to the time given.
Backhoff urged the community to report suspicious people or vehicles to a private security company or police.
You can always report crime through the ‘My SAPS’ phone application or contact the Crime-Stop line on 0860 01 0111 or send an SMS to Crime Line on 32211 for anonymous tip-offs.
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