Concerns over escalating crime in Brooklyn have intensified, following a second armed robbery at Brooklyn Mall in recent weeks, prompting a push by the community to introduce high-tech security measures in the area.
Ward 56 councillor Tiaan Dippenaar said the incidents have left residents in Nieuw Muckleneuk and Brooklyn increasingly anxious.
“This is the second armed robbery in the past few weeks, and the Nieuw Muckleneuk and Brooklyn communities are increasingly concerned. Brooklyn is also the number one hotspot for vehicle theft,” he said.
Dippenaar stressed that while nearby areas such as Hatfield benefit from structured safety initiatives through the Hatfield CID, the same level of co-ordinated security has not yet been achieved in Brooklyn, leaving gaps that criminals continue to exploit.
He noted that such a system could significantly strengthen crime prevention efforts and may have even assisted in incidents, such as the recent Brooklyn Mall robbery, where a reportedly stolen vehicle was used.
In response, the South of Middle (SOM) Precinct, a community upliftment precinct in Nieuw Muckleneuk, that includes the Brooklyn Mall, is moving ahead with plans to implement a ‘virtual closure’ system aimed at strengthening security without physically restricting access to the area.
SOM Precinct chairperson Faan Nel said the initiative is based on a detailed assessment of growing risks linked to increased commercial activity, traffic volumes and accessibility to major arterial routes, all of which contribute to making the area more vulnerable to crime.
“A virtual closure represents a modern, non-intrusive security solution. It enhances monitoring, co-ordination, and response capabilities without restricting movement or requiring physical road closures,” Nel said.
He explained that the precinct’s plans will follow a transparent procurement process, with the installation of infrastructure expected to go out on public tender.
Nel added that the intention is to partner with all active security companies operating within the precinct to ensure an integrated and co-ordinated response.
“To support the initiative, the SOM Precinct is calling on residents, businesses, schools and visitors to contribute funding, emphasising that the system is designed to benefit the entire community.”
The system will rely on advanced surveillance infrastructure, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and overview cameras, which will allow for real-time monitoring and identification of vehicles entering and exiting the precinct.
Nel said these technologies are designed to immediately flag stolen or wanted vehicles, enabling faster co-ordination between private security, SAPS, and metro police, and improving response times during incidents.
“The rollout of the system will form part of a broader, integrated security plan that includes the deployment of a dedicated SOM patrol vehicle and the introduction of 24-hour bicycle patrols to increase visibility and accessibility throughout the precinct.”
Nel said co-ordinated security efforts in the area have already proven effective.
He cited a recent jewellery store robbery where suspects were apprehended after a member of the public reported the incident via a community WhatsApp group, allowing multiple security providers to respond rapidly.
Brooklyn SAPS Station Commander Kushie Pietersen confirmed that the use of stolen vehicles in crimes such as armed robberies remains a common tactic among criminal groups.
“Stolen vehicles are frequently used in the commission of various crimes, including armed robberies. This is a common modus operandi used by criminal groups to avoid identification,” Pietersen said.
Pietersen added that police support the responsible use of technology to assist in crime prevention and investigations, provided it complies with legal and privacy requirements.
“Where appropriate and in accordance with legal processes, SAPS may make use of information or footage obtained from external systems during investigations or operational activities,” she said.
She further highlighted that Brooklyn SAPS continues to implement various crime-fighting measures, including visible policing, intelligence-driven operations, and close co-operation with private security companies and community structures.
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