Festive season plans in place for Scottburgh
One of the biggest concerns raised was drunkenness - both at the beach and on the roads.
FESTIVE plans came under discussion at the recent Scottburgh Community Policing Forum meeting, and are already being implemented.
One of the biggest concerns raised was drunkenness – both at the beach and on the roads.
Another issue raised was the condition of the beaches.
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It was pointed out that since the beginning of December, there had been numerous complaints about Scottburgh’s main beach in particular.
There was an uproar on social media after videos of the beach showing glass bottles and litter strewn on the sand, on lawns and in parking lots after a day of partying surfaced.
Umdoni Municipality’s new general manager of community services, Trevor Khanyile, has since intervened and has been helpful in trying to resolve this issue.
In order curb the beach parties and their associated problems, Saps and protection services officers have searched vehicles and pedestrians visiting the main beach for liquor.
“If alcohol is found, they are turned away,” said Umdoni Protection Services Superintendent, Kevin Govender.
It was also suggested at the meeting that a boom gate be erected at the beach entrance to assist officers with the stop and search operation.
In addition, Umdoni Municipality has authorised protection services officers to work over weekends during the festive period.
“We have formulated a joint plan with the police to tackle crime during season, with particular focus on the crucial areas of Scottburgh, Pennington, Park Rynie and Mtwalume,” said Supt Govender.
Crime usually picks up at this time of year, and Scottburgh Saps Station Commander, Colonel Ralph Ruiters has urged that safety precautions be taken, particularly as November reports indicate an increase in the number of house robberies.
“People need to lock up properly at all times,” he said.
“In summer, people leave their doors open because of the heat. If this is the case, ensure that your security gates are locked.
“If at all possible, go a step further and invest in an alarm system or guard dog,” he advised.
Other crimes which have increased in the last month include contact crimes such as assault and social intolerance, usually involving liquor.
There has also been an increase in the theft of motor vehicles and the police encourage the installation of vehicle tracking devices.
With regards to the on-going problem of bogus car guards in Scott Street, Saps Vispol Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Linda Chiliza said that they had tried to stamp this out on numerous occasions.
“We chase these fake car guards away, but as soon as we leave, they come back,” she said.
“Do not give money to them as this only encourages them to linger and continue to harass people for money.”
Colonel Ruiters urged that all crimes, no matter how small, be reported to police.
“Also report any suspicious activity, especially during the festive season,” he said.
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