Brighton Beach police urge public to be vigilant as crime increases

BRIGHTON Beach police have seen a spike in various crimes over the past few weeks and are now urging The Bluff and Clairwood residents and business owners to be more vigilant.

Captain Louise le Roux, the station’s spokesperson, said The Bluff has been experiencing an influx of those with criminal tendencies, resulting in crimes such as house burglaries, theft of and out of motor vehicles, carjacking and common robbery occurring most frequently.

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“These incidents are occurring sporadically with the majority of the area being affected. These crimes are occurring during the day and night, with no specific day of the week being predominant.

“The Clairwood sector continues to struggle with business robberies and business break-ins, as well as theft of trucks and cargo from trucks. These crimes predominantly occur during the nighttime. We urge the public to take more precautions and report such crimes,” she said.

Here are guidelines to aid in preventing you from becoming a victim of a carjacking or robbery, as well as to avoid theft of and from vehicle incidents:

• When occupying public spaces, do not engage strange persons in conversation – this could be a distraction to rob you or kidnap you.
• Do not pick up a hitchhiker, even if it is a woman with a child.
• Be observant of people standing at the robot or intersection.
• Always remain vigilant and observant of your surroundings.
• When occupying public spaces, be it on foot or in transit, ensure that you do not walk or drive while communicating on your mobile device or while intoxicated.

Also read: Ward 64 residents call on police to act against crime

• If you suspect that you are being followed while on foot, scream for help. Carry a whistle attached to your belt or handbag.
• If you are being followed in a mall, run into the first shop and scream for help if you can’t find the mall security. While in your motor vehicle, drive to the nearest public space or police station. Hoot and flicker your vehicle lights to show you are in distress.
• Be observant when exiting or entering your vehicle. When locking your vehicle, feel the door handle to ensure your door is locked securely. When activating your car’s alarm system with your remote, face your vehicle. Ensure you hear the doors lock and see the indicator light flash. Wait for 30 seconds before you walk off to ensure your locking device has not been deactivated.
• Do not leave valuables in plain sight – lock them away in the trunk of the vehicle.
• When parking your vehicle, try doing so with the front facing an obstacle. Turn the wheels towards the curb and lock the steering.

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