Erasmia police, businesses discuss safety
Business owners felt a meeting was needed due to an increase in crime.
The Erasmia SAPS met local business owners at Erasmia community hall to discuss how businesses can improve safety as crime rises, especially business and home robberies.
Businesses in the area have shown a keen interest to work together with the local authorities to ensure that they prioritise the safety and security of their property as well as personal safety.
Lieutenant-Colonel Phindile Madonsela of the Erasmia SAPS felt the meeting went well and could yield positive results.
“I encourage them to form part of the community structures that are already in place,” said Madonsela.
“The sharing of information with regard to the activities that are happening in and around communities is very critical.
“This information might assist to reduce crime, and to support other awareness campaigns to address gender-based violence and the abuse of drugs.
“More engagements by the securities, businesses, communities and other stake holders will be conducted to build a healthy and a positive relationship,” she said.
The most recent publication of crime statistics shows an increase in robberies at both residential and non-residential premises from 2021 to 2022.
There has also been an increase in robbery with aggravating circumstances in the last three months.
A private security company has provided the following safety tips:
– Arm your alarm whenever you leave your home and when you go to bed.
– Close windows and check all doors are locked when you leave home.
– Secure your perimeter at all times.
– Activate outdoor detection.
– Lock all garden, leisure and other equipment away when not in use.
– Be extra vigilant when leaving and arriving home.
If you notice anything or anyone suspicious, don’t turn into your driveway and rather drive to the nearest police station.
SAPS encourages residents to report any suspicious activity to them immediately and store valuables in a safety deposit box.
AfriForum suggests residents double-check their alarm systems and security gates before locking up and leaving in the evenings.
Many times criminals will lift a gate off of its track to gain access to the property, so it is in a resident’s best interest to regularly check that everything is as it should be.
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