Latest crime figures cause concern in the Moot

Recent crime statistics should prompt residents in the Moot to be more vigilant.

Burglary at residential premises, malicious damage to property and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm were among the crimes that have increased in the Moot area, according to the latest crime statistics.

Among the biggest headaches in Eersterust was assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm which has increased by more than 30 cases over the past three months.

Robbery with aggravating circumstances (41.7%), malicious damage to property (84.8%), and drug-related crime (13.8%) were among the incidents on the rise in this area.

Eersterust councillor Benjamin Lawrence said that the above-mentioned crimes were a huge problem in the area that needed to be addressed urgently.

“Unfortunately, this is the reality we face. It does not help to deny the crime problems in Eersterust,” he said.

“Close co-operation with the police, CPF members as well as the community are the factors which will work together to actively combat crime in the area,” he said.

Sexual offences increased by seven incidents, while burglaries at residential premises increased by 61.1%. Malicious property damage increased by a worrying 333.3%.

Moot CPF chairperson Elsabé Weyers said commercial crime has shown a decrease.

“In general, the figures look much better than in the past. This can be attributed to the good relationship that the CPF has with the police, security companies as well as with the community,” Weyers said.

Villieria suffered a major increase in commercial crime – a huge concern as it increased by 38 incidents.

Also, burglary at residential premises (89.5%), and general assault of 57.1% have increased.

The illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as drug-related crime, were the only crimes that have decreased.

Kilnerpark Security has recently had great success in terms of drug-related operations.

“A man was recently arrested under the influence of an unknown drug. Over the past weekend during a major crime prevention operation, over R180 000 worth of drugs were seized.

“Possession of illegal drugs is one of the crimes we are concentrating on and it seems that it is already paying off,” said Kilnerpark spokesperson Ancelize van der Kooi.

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