Crime in Klipkop, Parow East, has been on the increase and not much has been done about the situation, the local neighbourhood watch said recently.

TygerBurger met with four representatives on the corners of Joubert Street and De La Rey Street, Parow East, where criminals have allegedly been harassing, threatening and robbing people for some time now, the neighbourhood watch claims.

A family grocery store and hardware store is located on the corner.

Vish Mathura, chair of the Klipkop Neighbourhood Watch, said criminals who pose as car guards at these two businesses often harass and rob people.

Then there are also those who move in between the legitimate job seekers sitting on the corner.

According to Mathura, residents in Klipkop have stopped making use of the stores as a result of the crime here.

Criminals often armed

Owen Williamson, spokesperson for the Klipkop Neighbourhood Watch, said loitering in the area has become a serious problem.

“This has resulted in ‘car guards’ threatening customers who do not give them money. Many of the customers are subjected to verbal abuse,” said Williamson. He claims that staff and security personnel of the stores have also been threatened.

Some of those loitering in the area have also been found to be in possession of dangerous weapons, Williamson said.

“Community members are also complaining about ‘car guards’ demanding money from them and, in some instances, forcefully taking money from them. Alcohol and drug abuse is also a common occurrence,” he said.

TygerBurger asked the Parow police about the area and whether it is considered a crime hotspot, but is still waiting on a response.

The newspaper also reached out to the manager of the grocery store, as well as the risk manager at the hardware store for comment. No response has yet been received.

Councillor aware of the situation

Jacoline Visser, Ward Councillor, however indicated that she is aware of the situation and that she has spoken to the manager and area manager at the grocery store.

“They promised to investigate the situation, but I have not seen any progress or actions taken from their side.”

The residents must keep in mind that the store is responsible for the safety of their clients, not the City of Cape Town.

They must report incidents to the police to build a case file to present to the store, by the neighbourhood watch and sectors, said Visser.

Williamson said a memorandum will be submitted to the City to request that they assist with the closing of parking bays, especially at the grocery store.