Florida Block Watch reported a rise in crime during its monthly meeting at Hoërskool Florida on April 21, where residents were updated on safety concerns in the area.

Committee member Divan Snyman said gate motor theft is on the increase, along with hijackings, burglaries and house robberies.

In March, a burglary was reported in Daniel Malan Drive, while an attempted burglary in Barry Hertzog Drive led to one arrest.

“There were numerous incidents of gate motor theft, including two gate motors stolen from houses in proximity to one another on the same day.”

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Snyman added that vehicle theft and theft out of motor vehicles are also increasing.

“We’ve had six crime incidents reported in the area thus far in April,” he says.

Security company representatives at the meeting confirmed the upward trend in hijackings, vehicle theft, theft out of motor vehicles and gate motor theft.

A new trend has also emerged, with criminals breaking open gate motor housings to steal only the PC board instead of the entire unit.

Residents were urged to report all incidents to police, regardless of how minor they may seem.

“If a case is not opened, the crime did not, according to the police, occur. This counts against us when it comes time for them to decide where and how to deploy their resources.”

Snyman also called on more residents to get involved in community patrols.

“Being a patroller doesn’t mean you have to patrol every day at predetermined hours,” he says.

“But the more eyes and ears we have on the ground, the better for our community and our neighbourhood.”

He concluded by encouraging residents to look out for one another, especially vulnerable neighbours.

“There are many elderly and vulnerable people living in our area.

“Many of them live alone. Check on your neighbour from time to time to make sure they’re safe and sound.”

AGM

Florida Block Watch has confirmed that their Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on May 19 and has put out a call for people to come forward and serve on the committee.

According to secretary Lavina Garney, nominations for committee members must be submitted by May 12.

“All nominees are required to be paid-up members residing within the Florida Block Watch area of operations, and only paid-up block watch members who are present on the day will be permitted to vote.”

For more information, email info@floridablockwatch.co.za, or call 081 277 4267.