Horison Block Watch warns residents of crime spike as weather warms
Horison Block Watch urges locals to secure vehicles and report suspicious activity amid an increase in gate motor and dustbin thefts.
Horison Block Watch (HBW) has issued a warning to residents that crime is fast escalating as weather conditions improve.
According to HBW public relations officer Linda Havenga, there has been an increase in vehicle thefts, gate motor thefts, and housebreakings across the Horison area.
This is in addition to frequent municipal dustbin thefts, which have become the norm in suburbs throughout Roodepoort and Florida.
“We are concerned at the increase in incidents,” she told the Record during a recent interview.
“These crimes have always been prevalent in this area, but the onset of warmer weather and the approaching year-end seem to have spurred a renewed intent from the criminal element.”
Havenga added that a general increase in crime incidents at the onset of warmer weather is normal for the area, but the current spate of incidents raises concern due to the brazenness of the perpetrators.
“We have CCTV footage of several incidents,” she said.
“The vehicles and persons involved have been flagged, and we are working closely with the Roodepoort police and local security companies in identifying the culprits.
“In the meantime, we feel it is important to warn residents to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their property safe.”
Havenga said that a few basic precautions can go a long way towards safeguarding yourself against becoming a victim of crime.
“It really is about being aware of your surroundings, and being mindful of anything that seems out of place,” she said.
“Do not hesitate to report suspicious persons or vehicles roaming around your neighbourhood.
“Know your neighbours and make a point of knowing the garbage pickers that work in your street.
“Criminals often hide themselves among the garbage pickers to scope out soft targets in neighbourhoods. It helps if residents can notice when a new face appears among them.”
Havenga recommends that wherever possible, vehicles should be parked behind locked gates and not left in the street.
“On those occasions that you don’t have a choice, make sure that no valuables are left in the vehicle, and double-check that the vehicle is securely locked and the alarm activated.”
For more information, or to become a member of the Horison Block Watch, contact Havenga on 062 197 2259.
To report an incident, call the HBW emergency number on 072 326 8268.
