Lt-Col Sinothi Ndaba, the head of visible policing at Bedfordview SAPS, has said contact crimes remain a concern for the station.
Contact crimes include hijacking, assault, domestic violence and robberies at business and residential premises.
“After an in-depth analysis of these crimes we have been able to determine the most commonly used modus operandi for criminals who commit these crimes,” Ndaba said.
He said Meadowdale was the biggest contributor for cases of truck hijackings and business robberies in the precinct.
“This can be attributed to close proximity of Meadowdale to the highways,” he said.
Ndaba said two vehicles are usually used when criminals target trucks.
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“The most used vehicles are VW Polos and Ford Fiestas. One would normally drive alongside the truck and the other behind it.
“One of the vehicle’s passengers would indicate to the driver of the ruck that there is possibly something wrong with his truck. When the driver of the truck stops he has a firearm pointed at him and told to exit his vehicle.
“A passenger from one of the other vehicles then takes control of the truck and drives off while the driver of the truck is dropped off in Soweto, Eldorado Park, Lenasia or Orange Farm,” Ndaba said.
Ndaba said these types of crimes are difficult to counteract because in most cases they are only reported the following day.
“This could be either because the drivers are sent to the police station where they are dropped off or taken back to their company before laying a charge.
“It’s important to remember that cases of hijacking must be reported directly to the police station district in which the crime occurred and not where the victim was dropped off. By the time the drivers arrive at the correct police station they cannot remember vital details needed to identify the suspects,” Ndaba said.
In many of the cases of business robberies in Meadowdale, the incidents occurred out of normal business operating hours.
“In cases where anyone arrives at a business out of normal operating hours claiming to be delivering items, security guards should always press their panic button and wait for response officers to arrive.
“You have nothing to lose by pressing your panic button and while waiting for response, try to stall opening gates to the business until reaction officers arrive,” Ndaba said.
The main areas of concern for house robberies in the Bedfordview precinct are Morning Hill, Elandsfontein and Klopper Park.
“Those involved usually travel in a gang of four and wear blue overalls with black masks. They go to various properties and ring the gate intercom. If someone is home they would state that they are there to conduct repairs. Do not open for anyone and report suspicious activity immediately,” he said.
Ndaba reminded residents that the police station is open 24 hours a day.
“Residents should not hesitate to report any criminal action and can use 10111, 112 or contact the station directly on 011 457 2216.”
Important numbers to keep:
Ndaba has urged residents to keep the following numbers close-by. These can be used to report any dissatisfaction with police services at the Bedfordview Police Station.
• Head of visible policing: 082 461 3629
• Station commander: 082 822 8062
• Operational commander: 073 146 5066
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