An appeal has gone out to motorists and residents not to tip so-called “car guards” operating illegally in Melkbosstrand and Bloubergstrand areas.
This comes after a spike of illegal activity and intimidation at the hands of the illegal car guards was noticed by surrounding neighbourhood watches.
A motorist says his car was broken into on the Bloubergstrand beachfront recently. Witnesses claim they saw one of the car guards “tampering” with the man’s car.
“This happened in broad daylight” the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, says.
While on his way back from a meeting, he saw his driver-side window was broken and money, including his tablet, had been taken from the car.
“How can the police allow car guards just to roam around and steal people’s belongings?” he asked.
“The beach-front areas also do not have undercover and paid parking available manned by a trusted company. One just has to tell oneself one’s car may be gone when one returns to it.
Another resident, Larry Colby, said he was intimidated by a car guard recently.
“When I returned to my car, I did not have anything to give the car guard who supposedly looked after my car. He told me the next time I park there I’d better have some cash for him. They don’t even want anything to eat.”
Others via social media say car guards are harassing beachgoers and restaurant customers, and want the authorities to take action.
When TygerBurger approached one of the car guards at the busy Bloubergstrand beachfront he said they were just trying to put food on the table.
“Some of us are here because this is our only means of an income. Other car guards give us all a bad name when they rob and steal.”
Meeting
A community meeting was recently held in Melkbosstrand where there was an almost unanimous vote to stop supporting illegal car guards and rather unite to provide opportunity for those who wish to fulfil a legitimate role in the community.
Attendees have since reached out to the rest of the public to join them in this fight against crime and unite to keep Melkbosstrand safe. “Any person who provides a security service must be registered and must provide his services in a sober condition,” one resident says. “We as citizens give money to people who are not guarding our vehicles but act as informants to criminals and in many cases are the criminals.
“We provide them with money to buy alcohol. We pay them to tip criminals off where and when vehicles are available on demand. To stop giving money is the only way to stop the problem. Not once could any so-called car guard provide me with info after a vehicle was stolen under their noses.”
Police have also confirmed that cases against car guards have been opened.
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