Rather keep your cellphone out of sight and be ever vigilant of your surroundings when on foot – especially in the areas along Van Riebeeck Road and the Kuils River central business district (CBD).
Besides water meters being stolen in Highbury, Kuils River police have also noticed an increase of pedestrians being robbed of mostly cellphones.
Station commander Col Jayce Naidoo says the local police have seen less incidents of water meter theft in Highbury in the last two weeks as the sector commander and the community became more vigilant.
The local police are monitoring the crime situation during loadshedding periods.
“We are trying to ascertain how loadshedding is contributing to crime.” Naidoo says people need to be extra vigilant during loadshedding as it creates opportunities for criminals – ranging from electric fencing or backup batteries not functioning to cable theft.
Robberies occur widespread – mainly along Van Riebeeck Road, but also in Kalkfontein. The walking alleys in the CBD seem to be higher risk areas, says Naidoo.
Those who walk with a cellphone in hand or with earphones are preoccupied and less vigilant and thus easy targets.
Traditionally, robberies in Kuils River occurred around the railway station. With no functioning rail service at present people are making use of taxis or buses. Those who walk from home to get to a taxi or bus to get to work in the morning and return home in the afternoon are often targeted by small groups of two or three criminals.
“They normally target people during the busiest time of the day when there are more people on the street and more movement. This used to be mornings between 06:00 and 09:00 but has changed now to afternoons between 15:00 and 18:00.”
Kuils River police have noticed more robberies on Saturday afternoons. They are aware of a group of three people targeting clothing shops, as well as a man (wearing a tracksuit) robbing individuals, that have been active in the CBD (Church Square area) on Saturdays.
Everyone has a responsibility
With the festive season – or “silly season” approaching shopping is on the increase. More movement equates to more opportunities for criminals. Whether inside a shopping mall or outside in the parking area you must be vigilant.
The local police warn the coming festive season will be the first in three years with no lockdown and liquor restrictions while there are also many unemployed and desperate people due to the current economic situation. Naidoo says if both the police and the community play their part, we can go through the festive season safely.
“Everyone has a responsibility.”
Businesses must ensure their security systems are ready and functioning.
Take valuables out of your vehicle when you go shopping.
Women are advised to rather go shop with friends. “If you feel uncomfortable, rather leave.”
Do not carry a lot of cash and ensure you know your bank’s emergency number should your card get stolen.
Details important
Naidoo says people should also be aware if they need to open a case for a robbery or theft, the police will ask for the exact details of where the incident happened.
“If you have been robbed or if your car was broken into at Zevenwacht Mall the officers will go to the precise spot with you. The police are there to investigate crime and not there to get case numbers for insurance purposes. The details (of the crime) are important.”
One of the challenges experienced by the local detectives is that complainants of robbery cases are not able to recognize the perpetrators.
Naidoo appeals to the community to assist with information which will help the police to “clean up” drugs and firearms. “We encourage the community to report crime.”
