The Honeydew police reported an improvement in crime levels during July, with the latest figures showing an overall decline compared with the same period last year.

The update was shared by Sector 4 manager Warrant Officer Masoga Makhura during the Honeydew Sector 3 CPF meeting at Strubens Valley United Church on Wednesday, August 12.

While detailed crime figures were discussed at the meeting, Makhura explained that the information presented was a comparison with the previous year and should not be regarded as the station’s audited crime statistics.

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The figures showed declines in several serious crime categories, including assault, sexual offences, theft of motor vehicles, commercial crime, shoplifting, drug-related crime and some robbery-related offences.

Makhura said the Honeydew policing area recorded an overall 19.4% decrease across the serious crime categories being monitored.

The improvement comes after what acting chairperson Izak van Rooyen described as two difficult months, during which many of the crime indicators had increased.

He said the improvement was encouraging and credited the work being done by different police units.
“A lot of effort has been put in by all the different units, visible policing, private security companies and all that. So it did pay off,” he said.

Despite the positive figures, residents were urged not to become complacent, particularly when it comes to theft from vehicles.

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Van Rooyen warned that criminals continue to take advantage of motorists who leave valuables inside their vehicles, particularly when stopping at shops or other destinations.

He encouraged motorists to make sure their vehicles are properly locked rather than simply relying on their remote.

“I always call it CC – click your remote, confirm by the handle. Make sure your door is locked,” he said.

Residents were also encouraged to remain alert during periods when crime is more prevalent and to avoid leaving laptops, bags or other valuables visible inside vehicles.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of co-operation between residents, police, CPF, private security companies and other law-enforcement structures.

Van Rooyen said the CPF had recently held a successful engagement with station management, with the JMPD members also attending.

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“It’s a good thing to build relationships with the community and the police,” he said, adding that the CPF hoped to strengthen co-operation with JMPD.

The CPF also encouraged residents to become more involved in community safety initiatives, with Sector 3 preparing for its upcoming elections.

Nomination forms were made available for residents interested in volunteering for CPF leadership positions.

Van Rooyen stressed that the positions are voluntary but said having more people involved would help the CPF continue its work in the community.

The meeting was held as part of the CPF’s ongoing efforts to keep residents informed about local safety concerns and strengthen cooperation between the community and law-enforcement agencies, with the next meeting set for Wednesday, September 9.