The Crystal Park SAPS is pleading with community members to be careful when purchasing goods advertised online.
Station commander Lt Col Belinda Motaung said there have been a number of incidents reported where residents purchased goods online and the seller would request them to deposit money before he/she can deliver the goods.
“We urge the public to be more careful when purchasing goods on the internet as there are a lot of scams,” said Motaung.
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“Online buyers should not deposit money to any sellers before seeing or receiving their goods. Rather purchase goods at a store.”
Motaung also mentioned that even though crime is manageable in the area, there are certain crime trends which are problematic.
“At the N12 informal settlement, there is allegedly rival groups that are killing each other as revenge for their members who were previously beaten up or murdered by the other group.
“In most cases the victims die in hospital. We urge residents who may have any information about these groups to come forward and assist the police with their investigation,” she said.
In sector three and four, which covers Benoni Agricultural Holdings, Marister, Vlakfontein, Fairleads, Zesfontein and Petit, crime is low in those areas.
The station commander said there are cases of theft from motor vehicles where they steal bakkie tyres during the night and a few house robberies.
“House breakings have also decreased in the whole area, with the assistance of the community and the monthly meeting held every month,” said Moutang.
“It is important to build a relationship with your neighbour, so that when they see something suspicious they can alert the police on your behalf.”
Moutang also urges residents who take a shortcut at the open veld behind the Total Garage on Kingsway Road to be vigilant as there are robbers who are targeting people who knock off late from work and walking alone.
“The robbers threaten you with a firearm and take your valuables,” said Moutang.
“Residents should always walk in groups and avoid holding your valuables such as cellphones and wallets in your hands.”
In the Cloverdene area, shoplifting is the main crime contributors especially at the shopping centre.
“Most of the stolen items are cheese, expensive alcohol and mostly Grandpa powder as it is used to make nyaope.
Moutang encourages residents to join the Community Policing Forum and to also attend the monthly meetings in their sectors.
“We also invite pastors to join our pastor’s forum where we meet once a month to discuss how churches in Crystal Park can lend a hand in assisting police in the fight against crime,” she said.
To report crime, or join the CPF or the pastor’s forum, call the station on 011 969 4880 or visit the station on 91 Longmore Drive, Crystal Park.
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