Residents called to unite against crime

With criminals using spikes to rob unsuspecting motorists when they check what’s wrong with their tyres on the highway in the north of Pretoria and other crimes on the rise, a local CPF has called on residents to become involved.

Residents from Akasia have been were urged to take a firm stance on crime by working with their local CPF.

“It’s time to say no to crime,” concerned community member and former sector 2 CPF chairperson, Tienie Vorster, said.

He made the remarks as he called on residents to attend a crime combatting meeting on Sunday, 18 April at the Wonderpark shopping centre.

Vorster further said residents from The Orchards, Heatherdale, Heatherview, Karen Park, Amandasig, Chantelle, Theresapark and other neighbouring areas were fed up with the crime in their local community.

“It’s time to take a stance, enough is enough,” he said.

Speaking to Rekord, he said they were calling on residents to take responsibility and get involved in the fight against crime.

“We want the community to get involved,” Vorster said.

In neighbouring Pretoria North, police spokesperson Sergeant Tsakani Miyen urged motorists to be vigilant due to the increasing number of spike-related incidents which had been reported.

“Motorists should be on high alert as this crime trend is escalating,” she said.

Miyen said most of the criminals behind this crime trend appeared to be operating along the N4 highway, near the R556 off-ramp towards Rosslyn.

“As soon as you get a puncture, these criminals approach you and steal your belongings,” she said.

Miyen advised motorists to avoid travelling at night and use alternative routes and avoid speeding.

A resident, who opted to remain anonymous, said she fell victim to this along the N4, shortly after passing the Engen garage near the Doornpoort toll plaza.

“I felt the tyre go flat almost immediately and while I tried to continue driving, I just couldn’t,” she said.

She said when she got out of her car two people approached her under the pretence of offering assistance.

“They took my handbag and cellphone then disappeared behind the hill,” the resident said.

Meanwhile, Akasia police spokesperson Sergeant Matsobane Mabusela acknowledged that crime was on the rise in the precinct.

These crimes, he said, included carjacking, truck hijacking, business and house robbery.

Earlier this week, a business robbery docket was opened for investigation following an armed robbery at a store at Karen Park Crossing.

Five armed men entered the store and forced staff and customers to an upper floor of the building, before they forced the manager to open a safe.

The suspects fled with an undisclosed among of cash, jewellery and other valuables.

However, Mabusela said “we’re also seeing an increase in property related crimes such as theft out of motor vehicles and house breaking”.

In these crime categories, he said most perpetrators were targeting electronic devices.

“We call on and encourage the community to be vigilant and also take note of their surroundings at all times,” he said.

Mabusela further encouraged residents who fell victim to such robberies to always adhere to the requests of the perpetrators instead of resisting.

“Always put your safety first,” he said.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram