A breakdown of Honeydew’s crime statistics
RANDPARK – Provincial crime registrar Brigadier Mpho Chakalane gave a concise breakdown of Honeydew's crime statistics.
With crime in the Honeydew policing area being a contentious issue for both the police and the wider community, the community was invited to a public meeting with the police’s provincial commissioner and management of the Honeydew Police Station to discuss these issues last month at Randpark Primary School.
With the release of the national crime statistics in September 2018, Honeydew Police Station placed fourth overall with cases of crime nationally, and second in the province.
Provincial crime registrar Brigadier Mpho Chakalane gave a concise breakdown of these crime statistics with possible reasons as to why they were so high.
“Even though ‘the 17’ community reported crimes decreased last year by 4,2 per cent from 10 965 to 10 506, this number is still incredibly high,” Chakalane said.
‘The 17’ community reported crimes include the most commonly reported crimes including contact crimes, contact related crimes, property related crime, and other serious crimes.
Chakalane gave visitors to the meeting the unsettling news that according to the statistics, murder, sexual offences, assault and robbery increased in the area from last year and broke down each area describing what type of crime was the most prevalent in each.
- In Weltevreden Park, common crimes include general theft, residential burglary and theft of motor vehicles
- In Randpark Ridge and Cosmo City, house robberies, burglaries, business robbery and hijackings are common
- In Zandspruit, social fabric-related crimes, which relate to alcohol abuse and unemployment, and include assault with grievous bodily harm, common assault and malicious damage to property are common.
She gave her opinion on what could be the root causes of high crime statistics. “Honeydew is a very big policing area that includes two informal settlements and various escape routes for criminals. There is also a huge number of dense townhouse complexes that make it very difficult for police patrolling.
“In the informal settlements, social fabric-related crimes including murder and assault all stem from the social situations of those living there, such as unemployment, domestic violence, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
“The high rate of business robberies occur at spaza shops, hairdressers and shebeens with very minimal security. There are also large business developments in the area and a large influx of daily commuters to shopping malls which helps to attract crime, especially when criminals target electronic goods.
“Factors contributing to the high rate of murder include domestic violence, mob justice and taxi violence.”
Chakalane suggested that while there is a plan on the table to create a second police station to police the area, the community needs to increase its private security around residential premises and businesses in the interim. “More than 71 per cent of all house robberies had armed suspects. “Community members should not resist and enraged armed robbers, as this could lead to serious trouble. The community should be vigilant at all times and always be aware of their surroundings.
“Report all crime and suspicious activity when you see it happening, and please do not take the law into your own hands.”
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