Patrollers needed to curb cable theft in Park Rynie
The public is also reminded to report these crimes to Saps.
Park Rynie residents have become more vigilant of their surroundings as cable theft is on the increase in the area.
This comes after four cases of cable theft were reported in just the last week.
The community has become frustrated with this ongoing matter; however, not much is being done to stop this crime from recurring.
One of the roads that was targeted last week was Marine Drive in Preston.
Two power boxes were completely stripped of all cables, and further down the road near a caravan park, another box was vandalised, and a trench was dug up by criminals to access more cables, leaving everyone powerless.
The Park Rynie Crime Watch (PRCW) secretary, Edwin Baptie, did a site visit with the Herald at the weekend.
He was appalled by this crime and mentioned that it is indeed becoming more common in towns these days.
One of the solutions mentioned was that the town could do with more dedicated patrollers to help prevent crime.
“The PRCW patrols are ongoing, but at a reduced level due to the reduction in patrollers,” he said.
“The crime stats provided are clear evidence that the patrols have impacted positively on crime reduction. It remains the most effective way for us to protect ourselves, our property and public infrastructure.”
Baptie said that Park Rynie needs more volunteer patrollers to get the monitoring efforts back to the level they were and thus reduce crime.
PRCW patrols work in conjunction with the local Saps and security companies.
“I have also started an initiative with Eskom and Saps (Ugu and Umdoni next) to establish a cooperative forum to monitor infrastructure and secure a rapid response to incidents of suspicious or criminal activity,” he added.
The aim here is to coordinate the efforts of individuals, civic groups, security companies and law enforcement agencies so that they end the current scourge of criminality that affects residents’ lives on a daily basis.
“In the meantime, it is important to be vigilant, join the crime watch group for reporting and alerting authorities and volunteer for patrols.”
Alkins Drive residents have also dealt with their fair share of cable theft in the past couple of months, with theft occurring every few weeks straight after replacement cables are put in place.
Residents on this road took a stand and began conducting their own night patrols, which has helped put an end to cable theft on their section of road.
Another concerned resident, Thumba Govender, is also hoping that the community steps up to help itself.
“Recently, two drug dealers were arrested in Park Rynie, and hopefully, more will be arrested soon. The community needs to report all illegal activities that are happening in Park Rynie,” said Govender.
He will be part of Park Rynie Community in Blue and can be contacted on WhatsApp on 063 3523882 for those interested in joining.
The public is also reminded to report these crimes to Saps (and not just on social media groups).
Eskom’s Media Desk has been notified of these ongoing issues, and a response is awaited.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
