Speaking about the recently released crime statistics from the SAPS, Mrs Lornette Joseph the chairperson of Ilka, said that although some crimes have increased, she feels both police stations have done a great job under the circumstances.
“Although Kensington is the biggest suburb, I think most of the crime is probably not in Kensington itself, but rather in the other areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the different police stations.
“I would love to see the actual results per area, however that said, if I look at the all the crimes for each station then crime has decreased significantly. I think the Jeppe SAPS has more problem areas than the Cleveland SAPS.
“That is why their statistics are higher. We also do not know how many crimes go unreported. It is important for the public to know that in order to bring down crime and to get more accurate statistics, crime needs to be reported,” said Mrs Joseph.
Ilka commended the management team at both stations, the police officers and the sector managers, Warrant Office Marx Crouse and Sergeant Patrick Tefu, on their continued hard work and dedication to fighting crime.
She said that to be more successful in the fight against crime in Kensington, both stations and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) need to pay more attention to problems experienced by residents and work together.
Mrs Joseph, the SAPS should increase its patrols and conduct more stop-and-search operations. The JMPD should improve its action against people who contravene bylaws.
Some of her concerns are crimes in open areas like the Langermann koppies and local parks. “Residents do not feel safe. I also hear a great deal about crimes against the elderly, vehicle-related crimes, problems with windscreen washers and vagrants,” she said.
Mrs Joseph is concerned about the statistics for aggravated robbery and theft of, and out of, motor vehicles. “But more so, I am concerned with the sexual crimes, drug-related crimes, kidnapping, public violence, attempted murder, assault, neglect and ill-treatment of children.
“These crimes are not just a concern for the police but also for the public, as these are social problems. When someone steals your car or breaks into your business, yes it is a horrible thing and people feel violated and angry. Belongings can be replaced but people cannot be replaced. I would like the theft to decrease. Criminals who see active and serious policing will move out of the area but social crimes need to be addressed by not only the police, but the community as well. The community needs to get involved. Community organisations like Ilka and the police need to work together to see how we can help in bringing these crimes down,” said Mrs Joseph.
She said everyone needs to work on a viable way forward. “People need to realise that you can no longer leave front doors and security gates open. I know the police officers say park inside, but this is not always possible in Kensington. I would like to see more street patrols being done, not only by the police, but also by the local security companies that service Kensington.
“Street committees need to be formed and run properly again. Ilka will be addressing this in the near future. The windscreen washers and vagrants are a completely different issue and it needs everyone. It requires more JMPD officers to be involved and it means educating the public to stop supporting vagrants and windscreen washers,” said Mrs Joseph.
She said Ilka wants to help the police where possible and she encourages the public to become active participants in reducing crime in the area.
“Let us not just sit by and become a statistic. Let us all work together to make a safer area for everyone,” said Mrs Joseph.
