Car theft at Delta Park has become a growing concern for park users, leaving visitors frustrated and worried about the safety of their vehicles while enjoying the popular green space.

The park, a favourite destination for walkers, runners, cyclists and families, attracts numerous visitors who come to enjoy its peaceful surroundings and outdoor recreational activities. However, concerns over vehicle theft are threatening to undermine that experience, with the risk of returning to a stolen or broken-into vehicle causing anxiety among parkgoers.

Liezl Kruger, who recently had her vehicle stolen, explained that the parking lot of Delta Park, adjacent to Pitcairn Road, is a major concern. “We left our car locked in the parking area. On our return, about an hour and a half later, it was gone,” she said.

Kruger added that four visible people acting as car guards and a woman selling goods were present, with the car visible to all of them. “The window was shattered to gain entry, which means the alarm must have gone off. We have three trackers in the vehicle. We found an empty shell about two hours later in a chop shop in Soweto. The wheels and roof rack were left. My handbag and various valuables were stolen as well.”

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To make the parking lot safe, she suggested a paid guard. “Ask for money for entrance to pay him and get a security company to patrol the area as well as the park,” said Kruger. “People are always made to feel it is safe to use public spaces, but the reality is it is far from it. By safeguarding the entrances and indicating safe pathways, people can use these facilities safely.”

For many visitors, Delta Park offers a welcome escape from the busy city, but fears about vehicle security can detract from the enjoyment of spending time outdoors. The situation also raises questions about the safety measures in place to protect visitors and their property.

Shirley Tebbutt, the park’s most diligent volunteer, confirmed that a number of car theft cases have been reported at the parking area in recent years. “There is security and a car guard, but nobody seems to see anything or be around. I have since asked Beagle Watch to come on Saturdays to patrol as it becomes busy with the parkrun.”

Visitors hope that the acknowledgement will lead to practical interventions to deter criminals and make parking areas safer. These could include increased security patrols, improved surveillance and closer co-operation with law enforcement.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) spokesperson Jenny Moodley confirmed that the entity is aware of isolated reports and appreciates residents’ support and vigilance. She said JCPZ manages a large and diverse portfolio of parks, facilities and open spaces, while operating with limited mandates and capacity. “JCPZ has a private security provider operating during the day and night,” explained Moodley. “Its mandate covers JCPZ buildings, but excludes oversight of park users and bylaw transgressions.

“The 34 park rangers across the city conduct random patrols, supported by targeted blitz operations in partnership with JMPD. These measures are deployed across JCPZ’s vast portfolio as effectively as possible.”

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Moodley further stated that the entity welcomes residents’ proposals to strengthen safety. She said they manage and maintain more than 2 175 spaces with under 1 400 employees, and thankfully Delta Park is one of a few facilities that have private security personnel stationed on site. “Within these limitations, JCPZ supports safer public spaces and appreciates community-led interventions. Random ranger patrols and targeted JMPD blitz operations remain ongoing to address concerns regarding displaced persons occupying parks. JCPZ will continue to support safer, well-managed public spaces within its available resources,” said Moodley.

She added that proposals to adopt and safeguard facilities, including resident-funded security, should be sent to Tumi Mputle, senior manager for business development, at tmputle@jhbcityparks.com. “Funding, management arrangements, responsibilities and monitoring requirements would need to be agreed upon before implementation. Such partnerships could help extend safety measures where JCPZ’s resources are limited.”

Questions were sent to the SAPS Joburg District regarding the challenges of car theft at the park and their response will be published once made available.

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