The lockdown has resulted in a decrease in crime in Bedfordview, particularly residential robberies.
Residents Action Group Bedfordview (RAG) reported that despite the decrease in crime, opportunistic criminals shifted their focus to locations where people congregate.
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RAG chairperson Marina Constas said incidents like cellphone snatching and ATM fraud increased. She also expressed concern about theft out of motor vehicle incidents.
Constas urged the Bedfordview community to be aware of this trend when they are out and to remain vigilant when it comes to the security of households and businesses.
“This lockdown is unprecedented in our country and thus we cannot predict its impact on crime and security.
“Informer networks are still operating, so we must not become complacent. If your business premises are unoccupied, it is vital to ensure that your security measures are adequate.
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“There has been a handful of residential break-ins and we anticipate an increase in crime at month-end, as is often the case,” said Constas.
“According to South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies, the Covid-19 lockdown may initially disrupt gangs and crime syndicates, but they will probably soon adjust.”
Constas said RAG is ready for the easing of lockdown regulations, which will see more movement of people and a likely spike in crime.
“Working together as a community will be essential to get through this crisis, in terms of maintaining our area’s safety and security as well our community’s general well-being,” she said.
“To this end, RAG will continue to work closely with the Bedfordview Community Policing Forum (BCPF) and local security service providers, taking part in joint security operations and collaborative responses to alerts from the license plate recognition cameras network.
“As a non-profit, community-based organisation, RAG’s focus is not just on security. RAG’s reason for being is our community’s well-being. The steering committee consists of Bedfordview residents like myself who all have deep, vested interests in our very special, close-knit community.
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“Our vision is to find ways to unite and uplift our area and to provide a safe and clean environment for all.
“Amid the Covid-19 crisis, RAG is proud to have assisted the BCPF with a food donation drive, to help families in need during the lockdown. RAG has provided security services to help ensure smooth, safe distribution operations from the Bedfordview Methodist Church.
“In keeping with our vision for a safe and clean environment, RAG together with community stakeholders spearheaded the Better Bedfordview initiative.
“We look forward to accelerating our clean-up programme once the country is through the Covid-19 pandemic,” Constas said.
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