Increase in theft cases during April revealed
A local armed response company shared their crime statistics for last month and also advised residents on crime patterns.
Mac van Zyl, the Mapogo A Mathamaga’s operational manager, shared the crime statistics for April, which saw a dramatic increase in theft cases.
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Van Zyl explained that some residents who have outside protection experienced a few challenges with crime and he wanted to give help to residents to reduce the risk of crime.
“The cases we received occurred throughout the whole of Randfontein. Several cases were reported to Mapogo alone where security equipment was stolen,” Van Zyl said.
“In most cases, it took the thieves just a few seconds to steal something and flee the scene.
Most of the incidents happened between 03:40 and 06:00. That is usually the time when there are barely any residents in the streets,” he explained.
Furthermore, Van Zyl warned residents not to buy equipment or items from unfamiliar vendors since it is a crime to buy stolen items. Rather, he advised, residents should seek assistance from qualified service providers.
He also advised that residents secure their premises and ensure that it is well lit during the night.
“The better your premises are secured and difficult to access, the better the chance that thieves would rather walk past your gate and move on to the next option,” he advised.
He concluded by announcing that burglaries over the long weekends have declined, and only a few attempts have been reported.
“The reason for this could be attributed to residents staying at home rather than going on vacation and Easter holidays,” he said.
