Watch: Abandoned buildings havens for criminals

WITH the recent spike in crime in the Mbango and Oslo Beach areas, residents have decided to take decisive action.

Last Thursday residents met with the Herald and highlighted abandoned houses and overgrown, vacant properties which are used by criminals.

There is an abandoned building on a large plot in Scorpen Lane,  Mbango, which is in a disgraceful condition. The grass is a meter high, trees have not been trimmed in years and broken bottles, old rags and clothing are strewn across the property. Fires have been lit in almost every corner of the house.

“This property has been left to deteriorate for almost 10 years,” said a neighbour. “We have pleaded with the municipality for years to impose by-laws for the absent property owners. We take care and spend a fortune to keep our properties kept clean, but what’s the use when we have plots like  that are left abandoned which attract criminals, snakes and rats,” said another neighbour.

Another resident said the house is a crime hotspot and a shelter for vagrants at night.

“We have had our fencing removed by criminals who use this plot to gain access to our property. How many times must we repair our property just to keep ourselves safe?” Because of this property, other property values in the area have dropped, say homeowners.

Another eyesore not far from Scorpen Lane is a vacant property in Hansen Road. This plot has not been cut in years and criminals use it to make their escape.

“We have noticed the increase in house breaking in the area,” said police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid, adding that the sector commander, as well as officers from the K9 Unit and the crime prevention unit, have been tasked by the station commander of Port Shepstone, Brigadier Sandra Nala, to implement strategies to apprehend the perpetrators.

“We acknowledge the fact that overgrown and vacant premises contribute to crime, as they provide a hide-away for criminals. Poorly lit areas and streets have the same effect,” she said.

She called on residents to report defective street lights and also to ensure that they have taken steps to secure their premises.

There was no comment from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality before going to print.

Precautions

* Be aware of people who are scouting the area during the day – they are doing their homework before returning to break in at night;

* If you see any suspicious people walking around, inform the police or your security company;

* Now is the time for the community to become involved and be alert to any suspicious behaviour, including strange people or vehicles loitering in the area, or people carrying suspicious parcels;

* When leaving your house, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on it;

* Poor response by police officers should be reported to the station commander immediately so that this can be investigated and rectified;

* The emergency number is 10111 or alternatively call 039 6881286.

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