Big brother helps police catch criminals
"There are 319 CCTV cameras in various parts of Pretoria, monitoring crime 24 hours a day.”
The Tshwane metro police, SAPS and the City Improvement District (CID) have joined forces to fight crime in the capital city.
The three organisations monitor 319 CCTV cameras in various parts of the city in an effort to catch criminals in the act.
Metro police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the CCTV cameras were located in: the CBD, Pretoria East, Arcadia, Brooklyn, Garsfontein, Centurion, Lyttleton, Marabastad, Doornkloof, Monument Park, Silverlakes, Lynnwood, Solomon Mahlangu, Wilgers and Menlyn.
He said the cameras were operated by the service provider Morubisi Technologies, which reported crime to all three organisations as it happened.
“When the operators spot a crime, they pass on the information – a clear description of the suspects, what they are driving, the location and the crime committed,” said Mahamba.
Mahamba said in the event of a hit and run incident, one response team went to the scene and another chased after the perpetrator.
“Crimes such as smash and grabs were mostly committed during the day, whereas robberies and break-ins occurred mostly at night,” he said.
He advised victims of smash and grabs and thefts out of cars to report the crime to the police immediately and then to Morubisi Technologies control room in the CBD with the investigating officer on the case within seven days to see if any of the hidden cameras captured the crime.
Mahamba warned that the following were smash and grab hotspots:
– Nelson Mandela Drive (during the day and at night)
– Roger Dyason and Eeufees roads (at night)
– Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Boom Street (during the day)
– Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Bloed Street (during the day)
– Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Struben street (during the day)
– Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Vom Hagen Street (during the day)
He gave tips to motorists to avoid falling victim to smash and grabs or break-ins:
– Do not leave visible expensive items in your car; always take them with when you leave
– Never leave your cellphone, handbag or laptop bag on the front seat when driving
– Ensure all your doors are physically locked, never rely your remote alone as suspects may jam it
Joshua Ngonyama, CEO of CID for Kerk Street and Sunnyside, said there was a problem of thieves who pretended to be car guards helping motorists park, only to break into their vehicles once they left.
“We want to partner with the Tshwane Chamber of Commerce to screen all these car guards for criminal records so that we can prevent motorists becoming victimised,” he said.
Ngonyama said despite the lack of resources the CID was doing its best to address crime, through the partnership with the SAPS and metro police.
Also read:
Hijackings a problem in Centurion
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