The Cleveland SAPS has increased its visibility in St Amant Street, Malvern.
This follows incidents being reported of criminals stripping the vehicles they have just hijacked on the road.
Mr Mike Spadino, the chairperson of the Malvern United Community Forum (MUCF), recently urged the police to conduct more patrols along St Amant Street.
“St Amant Street, at the dead end close to Fotheringham Park, is a crime hotspot. It is areas like this that are bringing down Malvern. Something has to be done about it urgently,” he said.
He raised his concerns at a recent Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting.
Residents at the meeting also requested more visibility in and around the park.
Ms Nazeema Abrahams, from the Community Women’s Forum in the Cleveland SAPS precinct, said criminals are using a tree on a hill in the park to hide and watch people. They wait for opportunities to target residents and visitors to the park.
“Residents have threatened to cut the tree down. We need more visibility in this area and close to the tennis club. Criminals are also hiding behind a wall at the tennis club,” she said.
Colonel Bongani Dlamini, the Cleveland SAPS station commander, said he is aware of crimes taking place in St Amant Street.
“St Amant Street is a concern. We have increased our patrols. People also need to be careful and vigilant. The area is dark because of a lack of lighting. We have increased our manpower in the area and we hope this will make a difference,” he said.
Col Dlamini said he is aware of problems emanating from the park and is trying to address them.
“I urge people to stop going into the park at night. People are apparently going there to pray and this is dangerous. Women must also be weary because they have become easy targets,” said Col Dlamini.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities to him or police officers at the station.
