Residents gathered at the Strubens Valley United Church on Wednesday night, October 8, for the CPF Sector 3 community meeting. The monthly meeting gives residents an opportunity to learn about problems that are affecting their area and how they can deal with or avoid them.

The meeting was not well attended, and chairperson Sipho Mabusela explained that many residents were attending another community meeting at the Civic Centre.

Warrant Officer Molly Ramokosi presented the latest crime statistics, noting a mixed picture for September. While many cases dropped significantly, the stats revealed that there was a rise in car hijackings, business burglaries, and thefts out of motor vehicles. These crimes were said to be at a spike at specific times of the day and in places like shopping complexes targeted by the criminals.

The issue of fraud targeting elderly people, especially through online banking scams, was also raised, with Mabusela explaining that the Honeydew CPF is working with the police and visiting old age homes to teach the seniors how to protect themselves from falling victim to the fraud. He also encouraged residents to identify others who do not live in old age homes so that they can make a plan to have educational talks and visits with them as well.

Informal settlements and recycling spaces, and unsecured spaces were identified as some of the areas that are sometimes exploited by criminals. Residents were encouraged to cooperate with patrols, install surveillance cameras, and report suspicious activities to law enforcement officers to improve safety in their neighbourhoods.

The meeting concluded with plans to expand safety workshops, particularly for domestic workers and the elderly, and a call for residents to remain vigilant at all times, especially in the coming months, as crime rises towards the end of the year.