Crime spikes as festive season starts
Crime spikes sharply in the run-up to the festive season.
The 2024 Festive Season is still in its infancy, and indications are that crime is already on the increase.
The Roodepoort Record has spoken to numerous sources within law enforcement and the security industry, who all confirm that they are seeing an upward trend in crime both in Roodepoort and Florida.
Lieutenant Colonel Sipho Dlamini from Florida Police Station says there has been an alarming increase in alcohol-related incidents including common assault, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and domestic violence since the onset of warmer weather and in the run-up to the festive season.
“We have also had reports of increased gate motor thefts and municipal dustbin thefts,” he says.
Roodepoort Police Station’s Colonel Clive de Freitas affirms that gate motor thieves seem to have upped their efforts in recent weeks.
The Record has seen unofficial statistics from a security provider indicating that between November 1–18, 10 gate motors were stolen in Roodepoort alone. It must be noted that these are only incidents reported to one security company, thus the number is more than likely much higher.
Criminals are also becoming more blatant and impudent.
According to Constable Cisky Mashele from Florida Police Station, a daring hijacking incident at a drive-through takeaway restaurant in Delarey saw perpetrators block a female driver in the drive-through lane of the restaurant, robbing her of her purse, jewellery and other valuables before making off with her car.
“We urge residents to be aware of their surroundings at all times, and to not take any chances,” he says.
“The onset of the festive season has us all feeling excited about having some time off work, and criminals exploit the fact that people are more relaxed and thus more likely to be lax in terms of safety,” De Freitas says.
Dlamini adds a warning, “Police will not tolerate lawlessness of any sort during this period.
“We are fully committed to keeping residents safe, even from themselves if need be.
“Public drinking and drunkenness will not be tolerated. We urge residents to drink responsibly and to rather stay off the roads if they have consumed alcohol.”
Police urged residents to report all crime incidents.
If anyone has any information for the police and wishes to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or report the information by downloading the MySaps app on your smartphone.
In the case of an emergency, contact 10111 or 112 for the police to attend to your complaint. Make a note of the information reference number of your calls.
