New patrol strategy after drug bust in Brooklyn
A private security company has made a major drug-related arrest in a Menlo Park area long plagued by crime, while residents and a local councillor accuse police of turning a blind eye.
Brooklyn police have committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents following a string of complaints.
Spokesperson Warrant Officer Marinda Austin said police acknowledge the concerns of the residents and community leaders, and have promised to ensure the safety and security of people in the precinct of Brooklyn.
Police have received several complaints and tip-offs from residents regarding criminal activity in the area, mainly around 13th Avenue.
According to Austin, they have taken these reports seriously.
“In response to these reports, the officers have conducted both visible and covert patrols in the area.
“They have also engaged with private security partners and the Community Policing Forum (CPF).”
Austin added that they are aware of the perception that patrol vehicles may be seen driving past without intervening.
“It is important to clarify that patrol officers operate under specific mandates and may be en route to priority incidents or conducting surveillance as part of broader crime-prevention strategies.”
She said, however, they are reviewing patrol logs and operational protocols to ensure accountability and responsiveness.
Austin added that Brooklyn police employ a sector policing model, which includes targeted deployments to identified hotspots.
Police are currently reassessing their deployment strategy in Menlo Park to enhance visibility and deterrence.
“We also encourage residents to report incidents promptly via the 10111 emergency line or the MySAPS app to ensure swift response and accurate data collection.
“We value the partnership between SAPS, local councillors, private security, and the community.”
Austin urged residents to continue collaborating with police, as it is essential to address the complex challenges of urban crime.
This commitment by police comes as Ward 82 Councillor Siobhan Muller called for law enforcement in Menlo Park, as the community labelled the area a crime hotspot.
Complete Security Intelligence (CSI) also held an operation in the area on June 30, during which a suspect was arrested for selling dagga on 13th Avenue.
According to Gerhard Rossouw, operations manager at CSI, the arrest was made after their control room received a tip-off from a concerned client.
“Response units swiftly responded and gathered intelligence that led to the discovery of a bag containing 34 pre-packed dagga bankies (small plastic bags),” he said.
Muller welcomed the arrest but criticised the apparent lack of law enforcement visibility and response in the area. “People gamble there every day, through the afternoon into the night, and they trade drugs openly.”
She said some hawkers are registered, but many are aggressive individuals who demand money from people who pass by.
Muller said both SAPS and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) are routinely notified about the situation but fail to act.
“The police, if they’re called, simply patrol past and go away. They do nothing. TMPD behaves much the same way. It’s extremely difficult to get anyone to respond meaningfully. Residents have complained. I’ve seen it myself,” she said.
ALSO READ: Waterkloof break-in suspect due in docks
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@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 or TikTok.
