Bedfordview SAPS say contact crimes remain an issue
Ndaba said there has been a slight improvement in crime compared to last year.
As we wrap up the year, the Bedfordview SAPS acting station commander, Colonel Sinothi Ndaba, reflected on the highs and lows the station faced this year.
Highlighting the successes and challenges, Ndaba said there was a slight improvement in crime compared to last year.
However, he said contact crimes are still an issue in Bedfordview and throughout Gauteng.
“Our focus currently is on contact crimes – assault, murder, attempted murder, and common assault. Common robberies, armed robberies, and trio crimes have been areas of concern,” said Ndaba.
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He emphasised the need to stabilise and manage contact and property crimes, with a special focus on theft out of, from, and of motor vehicles in the area, especially at restaurants and shopping complexes.
He said there has been a decrease in house and business burglaries thanks to collaborations with local security companies, businesses, the CPF, and community members and the introduction of security measures, including cameras at problematic sites like Meadowdale Mall.
The hotspots for crime are the freeways, off-ramps and on-ramps, the N12, N3 and R24.
Criminals are most likely to point a firearm at their victims or jam their cars.
He said that based on analysis in Bedfordview, crimes are most likely to occur during the day, with Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays being the most prevalent.
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“The targeted vehicles are Ford Rangers, Fortuners, Toyotas and Toyota bakkies.
“Criminals will identify premises where they know there are no camera systems,” warned Ndaba.
He cited Mabondeni (informal settlement) and Klopper Park as areas facing difficulties because of growing populations and backrooms.
He said these changes contributed to an increase in domestic violence cases and house burglaries.
This year, the station saw an increase in rape cases.
Some positives for the year include a 12-year conviction obtained by Detective Nicodemus Mokoena.
“We had convictions, but it is not those hefty sentences. We also built a partnership policing with external role players such as the CPF and private security, as well as the office of the MEC and other business people, which we are happy with,” he said.
They are trying to form subforums, such as people living in the gated communities.
Plans for the New Year include a focus on increasing arrests and convictions.
He emphasised the importance of building positive relationships with communities and councillors.
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Ndaba also acknowledged the ongoing issue of vagrants and street children causing disturbances at traffic intersections.
He said the police have been working with the Safer City and Child Protection Services to address this matter legally and provide a safe space for the children.
“Bedfordview is one of the best communities you can work with. I wish them a peaceful and blessed Christmas, and we look forward to a prosperous New Year,” said Ndaba.
People going away on holiday are advised to inform the CPF because patrollers will be dispatched to various areas.
