Springs CPF deputy chairperson André Strauss shared the prevalent crimes in Springs and ways the community can stay safe.

He said a crime hotspot is the corner of Paul Kruger and South Main Reef roads, where there is a prevalence of smash-and-grabs of cellphones, laptops, and handbags.

The Far East Rand Hospital continues to grapple with the theft of motor vehicles. Various areas around Springs are experiencing heightened theft of motorcycles and trailers.

“Our challenge remains the non-reporting and non-opening of cases with the SAPS. This hinders our ability to make successful arrests and stop recurring crimes. Failure to report crime also affects crime statistics and causes reduced police visibility at the real hotspots,” Strauss said.

He added that the abuse of alcohol caused by the increased number of liquor outlets, which are easily accessible to the youth, is also a major concern.

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He noted specific crimes that the CPF has observed increasing.

“We have seen an increase in theft and common robbery, with the theft of gate motors affecting many residential suburbs. Opportunity theft, where items are stolen from the yard, has also increased.”

“Robbery of cellphones and belongings from pedestrians, smash-and-grab incidents at major intersections, and carjacking are concerns,” he said.

He said residents should always ensure that their gates are locked at night and their burglar-proof gates are locked at all times.

“Do not create an opportunity for criminals. Do not put out boxes from new electronic purchases on recycling day; rather, take them to a dump site and make sure to keep items like bicycles, motorcycles, and trailers out of sight.”

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The CPF and SAPS continue to work in daily operations, including roadblocks, visible policing, raids, and special operations.

On the brighter side, Strauss revealed there were fewer trio crimes in Springs, which he attributed to police visibility and the collaborative relationship they have with the SAPS.

He encouraged the community to join the local WhatsApp groups and Zello channels, as top CPF exco members are monitoring and sharing them with the SAPS and other stakeholders through reports.

“If you spot any suspicious person or vehicle, report it immediately. With more community involvement, we can continue to strengthen our safety efforts.”

“The CPF has been established and is legislated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and we urge the community to get involved and support our initiatives while working with the SAPS to make our communities safer,” he concluded.