Rape panic buttons in ladies’ restrooms as Hatfield struggles with crime

bodyguards, rape panic buttons in ladies’ restrooms and increased police vehicle patrols.

These are just a few of the measures put in place by local business owners, the University of Pretoria and the police to cope with crime in the so-called Lynnwood Road “strip” in Hatfield.

They come as rape, theft, drug peddling and murder remain a concern in this student-populated area.

“There is usually crime wherever any alcohol is sold,” said Varsity Bakery manager Deàn du Preez.

He told Rekord that crime has been an issue since before they opened their establishment in March.

There have been problems with criminals who pickpocketed, snatched cellphones and robbed people in their vehicles.

Du Preez said that in the past, the police weren’t very visible while the Hatfield CID (City Improvement District) did not patrol their area.

“We had to consult with various security providers because crime is simply a massive headache in the area.”

Chris Swart, the owner of the Jolly Roger bar, said he installed panic buttons at the women’s restrooms at his establishment.

“When they are activated, an alarm will be set off and sirens will flash at the bar. So if a woman needs help, she can push a panic button.”

He said a female employee also patrolled the ladies’ bathrooms while they are open for business.

Police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said the police received several complaints from residents about crime, noise and the contravention of the Liquor Act in the area.

He said young people would leave a pub or venue in the Lynnwood strip to use their cellphones only to have them snatched by criminals who would often jump into getaway cars.

Miller said Brooklyn police met with liquor establishment owners on Wednesday in the area to address the issues.

“Awareness was raised with regards to the theft of cellphones that is prevalent in the area.”

He also advised students to avoid using cellphones in public places.

“Those who ordered a taxi through a cellphone app are encouraged to write down the taxi’s registration number so that they do not need to hold their cellphones in their hands while waiting for it to arrive.”

Business owners and residents were also encouraged to join the local CPF.

Also discussed were responsible drinking, drink spiking, date rape and assaults.

“Young people residing and studying in the area are encouraged to sign up to become community patrollers with the Brooklyn CPF. This way there will be more eyes and ears to assist the SAPS in combatting crime.”

UP spokesperson Rikus Delport said that the institution was concerned by the increase in crime, but remarked that is was happening throughout the country.

This was not an isolated issue, he said.

He said a so-called “green route” was introduced a few years ago whereby security officers could escort students and staff to and from their residences and vehicles or any nearby places.

Delport said the initiative was still active and ran between 18:00 and 06:00.

“Any security officer in uniform may be approached and a request can be made for an escort.

“Furthermore, we have armed security officers on motorbikes in various areas around Hatfield.”

He appealed to students and staff to make use of these services.

The Tshwane metro police also recently reinstated a bicycle patrol unit in Hatfield following a UP student’s recent murder.

This was after the university donated 20 new bicycles worth R300 000.

Police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said Brooklyn police would increase vehicle patrols in the area.

She also confirmed a case of common robbery, which took place inside a fast food restaurant recently.

The robbery was that of a 19-year-old UP biological science student, who spoke to Rekord on condition of anonymity.

She said students felt unsafe walking to campus because they were robbed of their cellphones by armed assailants.

Crime is still a huge problem in Hatfield around UP despite round-the-clock patrols, the student claimed.

“Criminals target students daily,” she said.

ALSO READ: Five FM birthday bash attracts youthful audience

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