Crime spikes in Sheppie CBD

Criminals appear to have turned their sights on businesses in the Port Shepstone CBD, which police say has resulted in unprecedented numbers of robbery and theft cases being reported in recent months.

According to the police, this surge in crime is probably being driven by the ongoing demand for stolen goods.

Police and security companies swooped on Connor Street, Port Shepstone after four men, two of whom were armed with handguns, entered a cellphone store. The employees and customers were instructed to lie down on the floor.

“The robbers forced some of the staff to the storeroom, where the thieves helped themselves to a number of cellphones. They then fled with a substantial sum of cash from the safe, and two bags of cellphones with an estimated value of R500 000.

“Cellphones belonging to the some of the staff were also taken,” said police spokesman, Captain Petros Mpinge.

The robbers made their getaway in a VW Jetta with a Durban registration plate. No one was harmed, and no arrests have been made.

Employees at a clothing store in Bazley Street were confronted by four men. Two stood guard at the door whilst two approached the employees, posing as customers.

They threatened employees with knives and stole a number of cellphones before fleeing on foot.

This was the second time the store had been targeted.

Port Shepstone police arrested one suspect, who was found in possession of a large number of stolen cellphones.

The 23-year-old man appeared in the Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court on Monday this week and the case was postponed for further investigation.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khombinkosi Jula welcomed the arrest and praised the police officers for their swift response.

“Sadly a demand for stolen goods still exists and it is fuelling the desire to rob businesses and ordinary citizens to meet this demand. We are urging people to desist from buying stolen goods and to report those that buy or sell stolen property to police,” he said.

The Port Shepstone community has for the second time this month stressed that crime is a problem in the area. Earlier this month the Herald reported that ‘Sheppie CBD needs help’, and authorities were set to beef up security.

“If you look at cities like New York, you will find strict enforcement and hence compliance with the laws and by-laws,” said one business owner. ” Crime stats are way down in these mega cities, yet we cannot seem to get a grip on the criminal element in our small town.”

A businesswoman added, “What we need is leadership with backbone to enforce the laws of the land and then you will find that we will see some improvement, even if it takes some time,” she said.

The police have warned the public to be vigilant and alert to any suspicious persons or vehicles and to report these to the police immediately.

“Avoid carrying large sums of money when shopping, and shops should not keep a lot of cash on the premises. Stores should where possible employ security personnel and must also have regular monitoring strategies in place,” said Capt Mpinge.

“The business community should share information on customers who behave in a suspicious manner, or or who make strange requests.”

Capt Mpinge also warned shopkeepers to be extra careful when opening and closing their businesses, and advised that during robberies, employees and customers should remain calm and cautiously observe any identifying factors that will assist police in identifying the culprits.

“For example, it would be helpful to take note of things like clothing, vehicles, facial scars and build,” he said.

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