Crime decreases despite community uproar

The police have slammed claims suggesting business and home burglaries were on the increase following the end of the festive season.

“The crimes reported were just noticed by more people. In fact, there has been no fluctuation or increase at all in the crime in town. We have seen an actual decrease in crime as compared to previous years,” said police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela.

He believed the main reason for this decrease, was the increased number of police officers made available to the town during the festive period.

With the end of the SAPS financial year scheduled for March, Capt. Magudulela explained that many more police officers would be on the streets in the weeks to come.

“We want to maintain our stats and reach our goals. There is a congestion of police officers on the streets at the moment.”

He believed the main reason this increase was reported was because people were exaggerating the facts.

“We need the community to work with us. By spreading these stories people are not helping. If the community is afraid they should attend the Community Policing Forum (CPF) meetings and see for themselves.”

The suburb that has the lowest crime rate in Newcastle remains Paradise.

Implementing security standards set by Paradise Neighbourhood Watch’s security specialist, Mark Jacobs, Paradise has seen a complete turn-around from years gone by.

Other areas that have seen a decrease in crime, include the CBD, Aviary Hill, Ncandu Park and, Lennoxton to name a few.

While these aspects should make the community proud, police sources admitted that the efficiency with which some of the groups criminals operate, was shocking.

Referring to a burglary last year, sources explained how burglars had not only removed the gate and security systems of a home, but also cleaned out the home within minutes.

“CCTV footage showed the burglars were quick, calm and effective. It is not something that we have often seen in Newcastle,” said the source.

He advised residents with motorised gates to possibly have a rail guard installed.

This would prevent the gate from being lifted loose by burglars.

A further measure would be to install an alarm onto the gate, which would be activated the moment the gate was forced open without a signal being delivered to the motor.