Housebreakers are in the dark – and loving it

Scottburgh Community Policing Forum met once again last Wednesday.

The focus of this month’s meeting was on housebreakings and the general non-adherence to Covid-19 regulations, especially in public places.

Two months ago, CPF members discussed how the number of housebreakings had increased throughout the mid-South Coast.

In the period since, it was reported that the situation had worsened, particularly in Scottburgh South and Park Rynie.

Scottburgh Saps Station Commander, Colonel Ralph Ruiters, said that although police performed blue light patrols both during the day and at night, he was grateful to Gladiator Security Services for responding swiftly to people’s calls for help and in following up on suspicious behaviour,

Colonel Ruiters added that poor visibility, particularly at night, was a contributing factor to housebreakings.

“I have gone out myself to several areas in Scottburgh where I have hidden behind overgrown verges and bush where my own members couldn’t spot me, even with blue lights. This overgrowth creates good hiding spots for criminals.”

He went on to point out that broken streetlights were also a problem as officers were unable to detect movement in the dark.

It was of concern to both Saps and the CPF members that several prisoners sentenced last year for housebreaking and theft out of motor vehicle had been released on parole and appeared to once again be committing crime.

With regards to crime in general, it was reported that the number of attempted murders had increased, as had as shootings, taxi related crime and business burglaries.

Amandawe was considered a hotspot for robbery, and theft of and out of motor vehicles had also become a problem this year.

Emphasis was put on crime in rural areas, committed mainly it seemed by young whoonga addicts.

“We need to engage with our communities so they are familiar with our faces and know they can trust us should they consider becoming an informer,” said Col Ruiters.

“Informers will help us apprehend perpetrators, irrespective of what crimes are being committed, and the identity of our informers will not be revealed to the public. They will be kept safe, confidential and paid for their work.”

With regards to Covid-19 regulations, police commented that communities were refusing to comply.

“At the beaches and in public places such as the mall, many do not practice social distancing, nor do they wear face masks,” explained Col Ruiters.

“I have gone out many times and used a megaphone to warn people about the importance of using personal protective equipment, but people choose not to listen.”

Beachgoers had also been ignoring the ‘No Swimming’ signs which had been erected because the shark nets hadn’t been replaced and lifeguards weren’t on duty.

It was mentioned that members of the public had on many occasions had to assist in cases of near drownings because people ignored these signs.

“We want to help our communities, but they need to also help us by complying with the law and with Covid-19 regulations,” said Col Ruiters.

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