Residents in the Honeydew Sector 3 area were urged to remain vigilant after vehicle theft, fraud and several other crimes were highlighted at a CPF meeting.

The meeting, held at Strubens Valley United Church on September 9, brought together community members, police, security representatives and other stakeholders to discuss crime reported during August.

Sector manager Warrant Officer Molly Ramukosi identified business burglary, burglary in special circumstances and theft out of motor vehicles as problematic crimes. Theft out of motor vehicles and motorcycles was highlighted as a particular concern at local shopping centres.

The August crime report also identified general theft, fraud and theft of motor vehicles as crimes of concern. Crime occurred most frequently on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while the periods between early morning, late afternoon and early evening were identified as particularly problematic.

The meeting also heard about several serious incidents recorded during August. An attempted murder linked to domestic violence was reported, with the suspect arrested.

A robbery at a Laser Park coffee warehouse was also discussed, where more than 10 suspects were arrested after employees’ cellphones were taken and two trucks loaded with coffee.

Another business premises was targeted on August 11, when three bicycles were stolen after a window was broken. Further incidents involving attempted murder, business robbery, common robbery, house robbery, robbery with a firearm, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles in various suburbs in the area were also listed.

Parking area security concerns

CPF acting chairperson Izak van Rooyen raised concerns about motorists continuing to leave valuables in vehicles at shopping centres. “People don’t seem to listen,” he said.

Van Rooyen said motorists could be seen opening their boots and placing valuables such as laptops inside before leaving their vehicles, noting that everyone sees them putting laptops inside.

The CPF discussed the possibility of placing posters or other awareness material in shopping-centre parking areas.

Scams and multi-sector co-operation

Fraud and scams were also discussed, with members calling for further education programmes aimed at older residents. Possible topics include phishing, scams and WhatsApp accounts being hacked.

The meeting highlighted cooperation between police and private security following a recent shooting involving two security officers and a member of the public.

Van Rooyen said the incident showed the value of cooperation between the public and private sectors. “The only way we’re going to win this is public sector and the private sector working together,” he said.

Residents were advised to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it to safety structures. The next meeting will take place on October 14.