Good arrests
THERE were four arrests made for theft over the weekend and suspects appeared in court on 12 February.
Responding to the theft cases, Capt Poobalan Naidoo from Berea SAPS said crime awareness is a tool to prevent crime but it can only be effective if the public follow the tips given by the police.
“The public is still leaving valuables exposed in their vehicles and the most common items stolen are laptops, cellphones, wallets, sunglasses, clothing and tools. Some people even reach their destination, stop their vehicle and put valuables in the boot of the vehicle in full view of the public. There is a possibility that you are being watched so as soon as you leave your vehicle unattended the criminal strikes. Let’s avoid this and together we can reduce crime,” he said.
Naidoo said this applies to home safety as well. He urged residents not to leave doors or windows open for their pets when they go to bed and not to leave valuables such as cellphones and laptops close to windows where they can easily be reached by leaning through the window without entering. He said even if residents of flats are not living on the ground floor, they can be victims of theft.
“Do not leave garage doors open exposing your property. Make sure you do not give the criminal an opportunity to commit crime,” he said.
Work with the police
COMMUNITY participation in the fight against crime can save lives, says Berea SAPS spokesman, Capt Naidoo.
Naidoo said the community can get involved by helping to identify crime hotspots and informing the police, reporting any information on wanted suspects and illegal firearms, by visiting schools with the SAPS to speak to learners and teachers, by running awareness campaigns on the community’s role to fight crime, by mobilising civil society organisations to become active members of the Community Policing Forum, by supporting the police in crime prevention initiatives and by monitoring police service delivery.
“The community is also encouraged to provide possible solutions or alternatives to constantly strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery,” he said.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
