Authorities are set to beef up security around Port Shepstone CBD after a recent surge in crime.
ALSO READ : Big plans in the pipeline for Sheppie CBD
Frustrated business owners have spoken out, saying that vagrants, illegal car guards, parking issues and the proliferation of ‘paras’ and ‘whoonga boys’ roaming the streets begging for change to feed their drug addiction are all impacting negatively on their businesses. Recent crimes include:
Ryder Street
Staff at a clothing store in Ryder Street were confronted by six men who entered the store at around 9am. The men forced one of the employees to open the cellphone cabinet. They helped themselves to all the phones and a sum of money before fleeing on foot. No one was injured and no arrests have been made.
Reynolds Street
A clothing store in Reynolds Street was robbed when thieves gained entry by breaking a window with a brick. Several pairs of shoes were stolen.
Another clothing store in the same street was burgled last Sunday. Entry was gained by breaking a window and damaging the security gate. Clothing was stolen.
Aiken Street
On Monday this week a bicycle, cycling equipment and cycling shoes were stolen from a cycle shop. Again, a window was broken to provide an entry point.
“In addition to the crime, there is the added problem of young boys hooked on narcotics who wander around the CBD every day. These ‘paras’ and whoonga boys can be found begging for money on almost every street corner, and they prey on the elderly in particular,” said one business owner.
Another businessman said they had raised these issues many times, but to no avail.
“The problems are very real and we need help urgently. There are by-laws in place, but these are not enforced.
“This apparently lax attitude to law enforcement feeds the notion by the criminal element in our town that they can get away with crime.”
He added that parking in the CBD was a major problem. “This was addressed by the municipality a few years ago, and we were told that there was a plan in place.
“Parking meters were introduced, but failed miserably. The municipality was also reportedly looking into the feasibility of finding an investor to build a parkade in the old Dick King parking area, but all the talk has not resulted in any action.”
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Vijay Naidoo, president of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that while the Chamber was sensitive to the fact that desperate economic circumstances may be the cause of the crime escalation, it also believed that the degradation of the infrastructure and the deterioration in general policing levels were also major contributing factors.
“The absence of consistent penalties for traffic contraventions such as double parking, and the lack of visible policing, particularly foot patrols, has emboldened perpetrators of more serious crimes such as burglaries and armed robberies,” he said.
Positive
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) spokesman Simon April said the municipality was currently implementing the Port Shepstone CBD parking and related matters action plan, which was adopted by council in July this year.
“Integrated by-law enforcement operations by Saps, the Road Traffic Inspectorate and RNM are ongoing, and many whoonga boys, vagrants, prostitutes, illegal car guards and trolley pushers have been arrested.
“Engagements with key stakeholders are currently being implemented to deal with parking and traffic flow related matters,” he aid.
Police action
Police spokesman, Captain Petros Mpinge said police had implemented certain strategies over and above the current methods used to curb the number of business break-ins in the CBD.
“Patrols will be stepped up during the day using a designated patrol vehicle, and especially at night when these crimes are most likely to occur.”
He stressed that police were monitoring the CCTV cameras in the area, focusing on those found loitering around businesses and ATMs. “Monthly stop and search operations are held often, targeting hot spot areas.
“We urge members of the public to report any goods offered for sale that they suspect to be stolen. “Purchasing stolen property motivates criminals to repeat their actions,” said Capt Mpinge.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
To receive our FREE email newsletter, click HERE
