Starting the new year fresh and ready for action
During the month of December, pedestrians were usually targeted in armed robberies, and not actual businesses.
With January coming to an end and 2014 officially under way, the Business Against Crime (BAC) committee held its first meeting of the year last Thursday.
“We are starting the new year fresh and with a bang. We intend to do our part in fighting crime in the CBD and suburbs,” said BAC chairman, Fanie van Vuuren.
Looking back at the past year and the recent festive season, Mr van Vuuren thanked all business owners and police officers for their efforts in combating crime.
“The efforts of everyone are appreciated and we will continue to do our utmost best to educate people on crime,” said Mr van Vuuren.
As a way in preparing for the year ahead, Lieutenant Colonel Ragunanan from the SAPS gave a brief overview on the crime statistics of December.
There was a decrease in burglaries in Paradise, Suryaville and Lennoxton due to an effective neighbourhood watch run by security companies.
However, there had been a noted increase in burglaries in Arbor Park, Sunny Ridge, Pioneer Park and Barry Hertzog Park, where lap tops, flat screen televisions, jewellery and cell phones are the most commonly stolen items.
During the month of December, pedestrians were usually targeted in armed robberies, and not actual businesses.
Theft out of motor vehicles is still an issue with people leaving large sums of cash in their cars while conducting errands in town.
Five rape cases were reported, but as with other crimes, community members are not always reporting crime. “Information of crime must be passed onto the police,” requested Lieut. Col. Ragunanan.
Businesses wanting to unite in combating crime, can attend the next BAC meeting which will be held on February 27 at the Newcastle Club from 11am.
