The festive season of 2019 was described by Edenvale police as a relatively quiet one.
Edenvale Police Station’s spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said between December 19 and December 31 over 40 suspects were arrested in the precinct.
He said those taken into custody were arrested in connection with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of a stolen vehicle and burglary.
Mashile said the arrests were made across the whole of Edenvale.
He added that during the festive period Edenvale SAPS embarked on several operations with other law enforcement agencies.
“No serious complaints such as aggravated crimes, including robberies and hijackings, were reported to the station,” said Mashile.
Mashile said the most common crimes which occurred in the precinct included residential and business burglaries.
“Criminals know that the festive season is generally a quiet time of year and that some properties will have no one home.”
He believes the burglaries during this period are generally crimes of opportunity.
“Because the criminals know no one is at the property they will wait and watch it for a day or two before breaking into the property.”
Mashile said the addition of 15 new police constables to the station bolstered its strength and assisted the station during the festive period.
“I believe Edenvale had a strong police presence and a lot of police visibility during the festive period.”
He said the station will continue to conduct operations and will not slow down in the fight against crime.
Mashile thanked community members for their support during the festive period.
He said overall the community members were happy to see the police and the station did not receive any complaints.
“I appeal to the community to continue supporting the police as we start the new year.”
Mashile encouraged community members to report any suspicious activity or crime no matter how insignificant it may seem.
