CPF warns residents to be vigilant as winter crime increases

With the arrival of winter, Newcastle’s Community Policing Forum (CPF) has issued an urgent warning to residents to beef up their vigilance.

Citing a concerning spike in criminal activities across several sectors of the town, the CPF said the colder months often bring with it a surge in break-ins, thefts, and other opportunistic crimes— due largely to the early sunsets and reduced outdoor activity.

In response, local CPF leaders have reintroduced key sector representatives who are playing a vital role in crime prevention and community safety.

Sector leadership reintroduced:

“These individuals are not only liaisons with the police but also the eyes and ears of their communities,” the CPF said in a statement.

The sector leadership is as follows:

• Sectors 1 & 2: Mr Shokat Akram (also serving as Interim Chairperson at Newcastle Station level)
• Sectors 3 & 6: Mr Thabo Mbatha
• Sectors 4 & 5: Mr Jan van Renaberg
• Youth Desk Chairperson: Mr George Mngomezulu

Each leader is responsible for overseeing specific regions within Newcastle, working closely with SAPS and community members to implement crime prevention initiatives.

Understanding the sectors:

The town is divided into six police-defined sectors to help streamline communication, response, and accountability:

• Sector 1: Includes areas such as the CBD below and above Scott Street, the rank area, Riverside Light Industrial (Vlam), Farmers Hall, and Newcastle High School.
• Sector 2: Covers Lennoxton, Suryaville, Fernwood, Paradise, Fairleigh, Lenville, Siyahlala, and the Ekuseni Youth Centre.
• Sector 3: Encompasses Barry Hertzog Park, Amajuba Park, RTI, Iscor (Mittal), Ncandu Park, and Madadeni Road.
• Sector 4: Comprises Pioneer Park, Schuineshoogte, Signal Hill, and Sunny Ridge.
• Sector 5: Includes Amiel Park, Hutten Heights, and Aviary Hill.
• Sector 6: Spans Arbor Park, Hilldrop, Karbochem/Airport, Vezubuhle, Ingagane, and Ballengeich.

Crime prevention tips for the cold season:

The CPF also urged residents to take simple but effective steps to protect themselves and their property:

• Ensure all doors and windows are locked securely—especially after dark.
• Install or test alarm systems in both homes and vehicles.
• Avoid walking alone at night or in poorly lit areas.
• Report any suspicious activity to the SAPS or your sector chairperson.
• Keep valuable items out of sight and never leave them unattended.

Community unity is key:

The CPF believes that community cooperation remains the strongest tool in fighting crime.

“When neighbours look out for each other, criminals have fewer opportunities to exploit,” the forum noted.

Residents are encouraged to get involved in local safety initiatives, follow CPF updates, and participate in neighbourhood watch programmes where available.

For more information or to report concerns, contact your sector representative or visit your nearest police station.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe.For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).