Carjacking, house robberies on the increase in Westonaria; campaign launched

Westonaria Police together with the members of the Victim Friendly Room (VFR) and patrollers took to the streets of Glenharvie to conduct a crime-awareness campaign.

This was on May 3, and comes after they recorded an increase in crimes, such as murder, attempted murder, carjacking and house robberies in the area, particularly Extensions 1, 2, 3 and at the plots in Elandsfontein.

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Westonaria police spokesperson Warrant Officer Audrey Sefara said the purpose of the campaign was to educate residents about criminal activities and the opportunities that criminals use to commit these crimes.

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“It was noted with great concern that most of our victims were targeted in the early hours of the morning when they leave or come back from work. The criminals use different modus operandi, but the latest is they hide in the yards and as soon as a victim appears, they force the victim to open the house, rob them of their belongings and at times also take the victim’s vehicle.

“In some instances, residents are targeted when walking to and from work. In some instances, victims are shot and killed or left injured and the incidents happen around secluded areas. This includes open fields where there are foot paths or where the place is dark and there is no way that the victim can get help quickly,” added Sefara.

The community is therefore urged to:

• Reclaim their streets by doing patrols and forming neighbourhood watches

• Tall trees and long grass should be maintained for a clear view

• Not to travel alone especially at night on foot. They should rather walk in groups to and from work.

• People must also instal surveillance cameras and affiliating to security companies

• Always be alert when going out of the houses because the suspects hide in the yards of unsuspecting victims

• Increase caution at intersections and check for any suspicious vehicles or persons showing something wrong with your vehicle.

Meanwhile, a total of 300 safety tips pamphlets were issued with all relevant information and the recruitment of informers.

Acting Westonaria Police Station commander Lieutenant Joyce Tuuba further urged the community to come forward as the recruitment of informers is an ongoing effort by the police to get information from the community.