Crime declines in the east of Pretoria, but residents must stay vigilant – CPF

While the Garsfontein CPF reports a decrease in crime in the east of Pretoria, it however implores the public to remain alert.

CPF chairperson Aris Ruyter said the recent decrease is the result from well-coordinated efforts between the police, security companies and forums and the community at large.

Key initiatives of these crime-fighting efforts include increased patrols, joint operations and targeting of high-crime hotspots.

Ruyter said the consistent information sharing facilitated by networks such as the Alpha Security Forum continues to play a critical role.

He said security companies have heightened their presence in vulnerable areas, while the SAPS intensified visibility and quick response measures, often working in close alignment with CPF volunteers.

“These combined efforts provided rapid responses to incidents, improved situational awareness, and deterred potential criminal activities, creating a more secure environment for residents,” he added.

Recently the Joint Operation Command, consisting of CPFs, police and security companies, have been hard at work in the east, thwarting potential robberies, motor vehicle theft and house break-ins.

Ruyter pointed out increased police visibility as a factor as well as helping the east communities.

“They have made a profound impact on crime deterrence. When criminals see a consistent police presence, especially during strategic patrols and at known hotspots, it creates an environment where criminal activities are riskier to carry out,” he said.

He added that regular police patrols, along with collaboration from security companies, reassure residents, making them feel safer while discouraging crime in public spaces, shopping centres and residential neighbourhoods.

Ruyter said however that success also comes with challenges.

“One significant challenge is maintaining the current level of co-operation and resource allocation from all parties involved.”

He said sustained success depends on ongoing engagement and resource availability from both SAPS and security companies.

“Crime is also adaptive, as we reduce some threats, new challenges may arise. To mitigate these risks, we’re prioritising continued communication and transparency across the network.”

He urged role players to provide regular strategy meetings, technology integration such as licence plate recognition systems, and constant feedback from community members to ensure they stay one step ahead.

“We also urge community members to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities to maintain this positive momentum.”

Ward 101 councillor Malcolm de Klerk agreed with the CPF about the decline in certain categories of crime.

“There’s been hundreds of arrests throughout the year due to collaboration.”

He said the arrests are estimated to be 700 just this year alone.

“The whole of society approach works every time. When all aspects of community and law enforcement come together, we can only be safer together,” De Klerk said.

Leilanie de Andrade, a resident in Moreleta Park, said they haven’t had any crime issues in a while.

“We stay in an older suburb with no new developments, so not much crime has been happening. We don’t have any crime trouble,” she said.

Ward 82 councillor Siobhan Muller praised private security companies for their help in crime reduction.

She, however, said crime is still rife at the Lynnwood strip, with little action from the police.

Community volunteer Marietjie van Deventer, who has been living in Silverton since 1974, expressed a different opinion regarding the crime decline situation.

“I totally disagree. In our area we still face hijacking issues, pedestrians get robbed of their belongings daily and house-breaking in the middle of the day is a norm, the thieves also jump walls at night, It’s a disaster,” Van Deventer said.

“When I drive on a daily basis and I see pedestrians using their phones in the open, I stop and warn them not to expose their phones. Petty crime is still a huge problem with school kids being mugged of their cellphones.

“Some still do not listen until they are the victims of crime,” she added.

She said Uber or e-hailing drivers are being targeted, as last week some people in Silverton ordered an Uber and when the driver arrived he was hijacked on the spot.

Ruyter warned the decrease does not mean people should let their guard down.

“We are almost in the festive season and criminals will always come up with new ways to hurt and steal from people. We need to be vigilant at all times,” he warned.

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