Truck hijacking, vehicle thefts increase in Florida
A number of crime trends and concerns were discussed during Florida Block Watch's monthly meeting
Florida Block Watch (FBW) held their monthly community meeting on Tuesday, March 18 at Hoërskool Florida.
The meeting, their second of the year, featured guest speakers from local security companies including EC Security, Help24 Secure, and Fidelity ADT, as well as Florida Police sector manager Sgt TK Matsoane.
Also read: Florida Block Watch celebrates successes
In his address, Matsoane highlighted concerns around truck hijackings, theft of motor vehicles, and gate motor thefts that seem to be on the rise again after a relatively quiet festive season.
Residents in their turn expressed concerns around a number of cannabis shops that have sprung up in Florida in recent months, and the public use of cannabis which seems to be becoming the norm.
Matsoane explained that the use of cannabis outside of a private premises remains illegal, and that, while the sale of certain products that contain cannabis may be legal, it remains illegal to sell dagga and any product containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), being the active psychoactive component of dagga.
He undertook to take a closer look at the cannabis shops in the Florida area to ensure that they comply with the relevant regulations that govern their industry.
Also read: Hijacking prevention 101: Florida police share life-saving tips
Concerns were also raised regarding a Florida tavern where residents say laws are being flouted with alcohol being sold to underage children and consumed off-premises. Matsoane undertook to look into these allegations.
He further urged parents to keep a close eye on their children, saying that crime and violent incidents among children are increasing. He cited a case where he had arrested and 18-year-old boy for being in possession of an unlicenced revolver and another incident where a teacher was assaulted and stabbed by a learner at Hoërskool Die Burger recently.
In his turn, FBW chairperson John Kirsten, updated the gathered residents on successes achieved by the FBW regarding the vastly decreased theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure as a direct result of FBW interventions.
He also outlined progress made in the FBW camera project, announcing the completed purchase of their first license plate recognition (LPR) camera.
FBW’s next meeting will be their AGM on Tuesday, April 15 at Hoërskool Florida.
Kirsten urged community members to get involved in the various programmes of the block watch, including clean-up campaigns and patrols.
