The National SAPS Crime Statistics were released on September 12 and saw Bedfordview Police Station at number three in the top 30 for truck hijackings in SA.
Also read: #CrimeStats – Murder up by 400% in Bedfordview
Bedfordview Community Police Forum (BCPF) believes this was due to Bedfordview having the biggest interchange.
Bedfordview Police Station took the number three spot with 21 incidents in 2017/18 to 28 incidents in 2018/19 with a 33 per cent increase.
“We are not proud of this, but we need to put it in context that most of these hijackings happen in the busiest interchange, being Gillooly’s Interchange,”said Gavin Henry, BCPF chairperson.
He said the statistics, however, do fall under Bedfordview Police Station.
Henry said the BCPF works closely with the community in sector three where hijackings have taken place and rely on the community in the area to report suspicious activity to SAPS as soon as possible.
Murder in Bedfordview also saw an increase of 400 per cent with one case in 2017/18 to five cases in 2018/19.
“We went from one murder last year to five murders this year. Two of these murders seem to have been professional hits on people visiting the suburb. An international link is suspected,” said Henry.
He said both murders are related to money and drug issues on an international level.
Henry added the other three happened in the Elandsfontein area.
“These can be attributed to the stressful economic situation in less affluent areas, coupled with alcohol use,” said Henry.
The statistics also included a decrease for attempted murder with 72.2 per cent with 18 cases in 2017/18 to five cases in 2018/19.
In 2017/18 sexual offences were at 13 cases to 21 cases in 2018/19 with a 61 per cent increase, while rape cases also increased from four cases in 2017/18 to 14 cases in 2018/19, with a 250 per cent increase.
For attempted sexual offences there was a decrease at -66.7 per cent with three cases in 2017/18 to one case in 2018/19 with contact sexual offence also decreased at two cases in 2017/18 to one case in 2018/19 at -50 per cent.
“Men need to be taught about respect, equality and the meaning of the word no,” said Henry.
Henry said many cases of rape and abuse have involved the excessive use of substances, such as alcohol.
He said women need to look after each other, especially in clubs, bars and shebeens.
“These cases mostly take place in Elandsfontein and surrounds, but there have been a few reported at a well-known club in Van Buuren Road,” said Henry.
At a 35.7 per cent increase, robbery at residential premises moved from 42 cases in 2017/18 to 57 cases in 2018/19.
Henry said with robbery, there needs to be continuous education of residents and their staff.
“Make sure gates cannot be lifted or forced open. Staff should know not to open gates for unexpected people. Residents should also not make themselves a target by wearing expensive watches and jewellery in public,” said Henry.
Theft of motor vehicle and motorcycles also saw an increase from 151 cases in 2017/18 to 223 cases in 2018/19 with a 47.7 per cent increase.
“We always need to check that our vehicles are properly locked. Test with the handle as people with remote jammers are in our area. Never leave valuables visible in the motor car,” said Henry.
Henry added to decrease crime in the area there needs to be further cooperation with EMPD, SAPS and the security companies.
He said the use of technology such as night vision goggles and the Smart Camera Project will also help assist the BCPF combat crime.
“Continued education of residents on how to avoid being a victim will also assist in decreasing crime in the area,” said Henry.
