Crime round-up from the acting station commander

Acting station commander at Vryheid SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Allan Westemeyer, presented a crime round-up last week. He believes that being aware and pro-active with regards to safety can make the difference between becoming a victim of crime or not.

Vryheiders are advised to take heed of his advice.

Burglars target food outlets

A number of food outlets were broken into in the last couple of weeks, including Francocel and Spur. In every instance, angle grinders were used to break into the safes and money was taken. Col Westemeyer advises that food outlets should not leave a lot of money in the store overnight. Two men were spotted on the roof of the Vryheid Plaza last week by a patrolling officer. Both men were arrested but it is unclear which business they may have been targeting.

Southern parts of town are a hotspot for residential burglaries

Residents who live south of Church Street need to be vigilant between noon and 9pm, according to Col Westemeyer. Crime statistics collected over the last month show that most residential burglaries in Vryheid take place beween 12pm and 3pm and between 6pm and 9pm.

Theft out of motor vehicles spike on Utrecht Street

Col Westemeyer warns that theft out of motor vehicles is still a huge problem in Vryheid, and is most common along Utrecht Street.

“If you are leaving your car parked along the street, make sure that there is nothing visible that may entice robbers.

Remote jamming is also very common in the CBD, so when you leave your car, make sure it is locked first.

Farmers, watch your diesel and your stock as Easter draws closer

Col Westemeyer warns that the full moon before Easter has proven to be a period where stock theft, as well as the theft of diesel out of tractors and lorries, spikes. Farmers need to be more vigilant with their stock as the festive season approaches.

False insurance claims will lead to jail time

“There are lots of people opening false cases to claim from insurance,” said Col Westemeyer. “If you are found out, you will be charged with perjury. It is a waste of valuable resources.”

Be alert on the road

“Around Easter time, we experience some of our highest numbers of road carnage than any other time of the year. There are some really bad accidents as a high volume of motorists are rushing to get to their holiday destinations. Be alert. Be patient. Don’t overtake on the barrier lines and don’t drive if you are tired. If you are feeling tired, stop the car, walk around the car and get some fresh air,” advised Col Westemeyer.

A Neighbourhood Watch for Bhekuzulu

Col Westemeyer wished to thank the Vryheid Neighbourhood Watch for assisting the police in the fight against crime.

“We are trying to establish a similar structure in Bhekuzulu. Anyone in that area who is interested in joining, should call Lt Col Zwane on 079 500 0234.”

“I would also like to thank all the members of the Vryheid SAPS for their hard work,” concluded Col Westemeyer. “Keep it up!”

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