The Benoni police said that petty theft and serious other crimes, including murder, hijacking and robberies with aggravating circumstances have shown an increase in October.
Speaking at the CPF AGM on October 30, acting Benoni Police Station commander Col Thomas Maupa advised people to take precautionary measures.
“Snatching of handbags and cellphones happens mostly in the CBD, and the perpetrators don’t use any weapons, they just snatch and run away,” he said.
He advised residents to answer their cellphones only in safe areas.
Maupa also said hijacking gives police a headache and that residents should be careful at all times, especially when arriving at home.
“Look around before opening the gate, and drive away and call the police if you notice suspicious-looking people,” he said.
Maupa was also concerned that murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances are on the rise.
He said that the police are working hard to try to prevent such crimes.
On a good side, Maupa said that the ongoing, troublesome crimes, including housebreakings, smash-and-grabs, and theft of motor vehicles have decreased.
He added that police managed to make 69 drug-related arrests last month alone, and that people were also arrested for possession of gold dust and gold refinery equipment.
Maupa concluded by saying that the police are ready for the voter registration weekend of November 9 and 10.
