Exercise caution and vigilance – Edenvale SAPS

The Edenvale SAPS has urged community members of the Edenvale area to be safe and to make sure they do not fall victim to criminals these holidays.

Sergeant Jacob Mashile, the head of the Social Crime Prevention Unit, said community members need to exercise safety during this time of the year.

He said by exercising caution and vigilance, community members can prevent being victims.

“The Social Crime Prevention Unit and the SAPS works closely with the community,” said Sgt Mashile.

By sharing information, Sgt Mashile hopes to help the community.

Sgt Mashile said currently the crimes of concern include theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motor vehicles, residential and business burglaries.

He said these crimes are taking place in the Greenstone, Edenvale and surrounding areas.

With regards to theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles, Sgt Mashile gave the following tips:

* Make sure the vehicle is locked, double-check by testing the door handles.

* Keep an eye out for suspicious activity or people loitering around the cars.

* Do not leave valuables in the car, rather take them them with you or leave them at home.

Sgt Mashile said if a vehicle is stolen, community members must report it to the SAPS.

He said when reporting a stolen vehicle, community members need to inform the police whether there is a tracking device on the vehicle or not, as this can assist in the recovery of the vehicle.

Business and residential burglaries have also become a concern for the SAPS.

Sgt Mashile encouraged business owners and house owners to make sure that the properties are secure, the alarms work and are properly locked when no one is at the premises.

To prevent residential burglaries residents can:

* Ensure that people on the street cannot see into the house.

* Pack away any tools or equipment that can be use by burglars in the breaking into of the house.

* Know your neighbour and make sure that community alertness in increased.

“It is important to also make sure that domestic workers are educated and know the procedures when strangers comes to the property,” said Sgt Mashile.

To reduce the chances of business burglaries business owners can:

* Have security companies doing patrols in the area.

* Have security gates and security bars.

* Make sure that people cannot look into the business.

“Ask for the patrol vehicles to leave proof such as notes every time they do a patrol past the business,” said Sgt Mashile.

By working together and providing community members with helpful information, Sgt Mashile hopes the community and the SAPS can work together to prevent crime

If a crime does happen, Sgt Mashile urged residents to report it as soon as possible.

Police sectors

* The following areas fall under section one: The Avenues between Horwood Street and Hendrick Potgieter Street, Elma Park, Dunvegan, Dowerglen and Marais Steyn Park, The Edenvale Hospital and Sizwe Hospital. The contact number for sector one is 071 675 6841.

* The following areas fall under section two: The Avenues between Hendrick Potgieter Street and Aitken Street, Eastleigh, Illiondale and De Klerkshof. The contact number for sector two is 071 675 6842.

* The following areas fall under section three: Edenglen, Hurlyvale, Highway Gardens, Harmelia and Isandovale. The contact number for sector three is 071 675 6843.

* The following areas fall under sector four: Greenstone, Emerald Estate, Bushwillow Park and Greenstone Hill. The contact number for sector four is 071 675 6844.

Residents can also contact the police on 10111.