Downward crime trend is encouraging
With crime statistics out Berea and Umbilo police have had more reductions in crime than increases over the past year.
THE release of the national crime statistics last week by national Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has sent shock waves throughout the country, especially in areas where crime has shown marked increases.
However, Berea and Umbilo police were cautiously optimistic to learn that there has been a decrease in certain crimes in their areas of jurisdiction.
While Berea police have worked hard to keep crime down in most areas, the statistics do reveal that there has been an increase in the number of theft out of motor vehicles and theft of motor vehicles. Drug related crimes and driving under the influence have also increased. The good news however is that the number of hijackings and residential and business robberies have decreased.
Berea police communications officer, Lieutenant PN Naidoo said despite the general decrease in most crimes, one could never be happy with crime statistics.
“We didn’t have a big problem with contact crimes but theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles are still a big problem. The challenge we also face is that residents become soft targets when they leave valuable items in vehicles. Criminals are opportunists and unfortunately prey on residents who let their guard down,” he said.
“We are constantly looking at strategies to curb these crimes and have increased our visibility as a deterrent and encourage the community to become involved in initiatives such as sector policing, to make themselves aware and well informed of tips on how to safeguard themselves and their belongings.”
Meanwhile, the crime statistics for the Umbilo SAPS precinct paint a different picture of crime trends. Hijackings, sexual crimes and burglaries at residential homes have increased as well as theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles.
The station has seen a reduction in common assaults, drug related crime and business burglaries. Ben Madokwe, Umbilo CPF chairman said the crime statistics for the year had not dropped by much, but he was encouraged by last month’s statistics which showed crime was stabilising.
“In August crime stats seem to have stabilised especially car theft and house robberies. The problem is that people still don’t report all crimes,” he said.
Residential robberies and hijackings are still a problem, acknowledged Madokwe.
“We hope police have innovative crime strategies in place for the future to target areas where crime has increased, like hijacking,” he added.
The Bulwer Safety Forum’s Heather Rorick said irrespective of the statistics, residents had to be aware as the festive season approached, crime would most definitely increase.
“Residents and business need to step up their security, be more alert and aware of their surrounding. Also, make sure that all family members, regardless of age, who are home and go in and out of doors and gates and use the yard and swimming pool, are always security conscious and do not leave open doors, visible to suspects lurking around on the road or streets and looking for opportunities to strike.”
Rorick added that residents should also go over security measures with domestic staff. “Once is never enough, as rather safe than sorry. Holidays make people, especially youngsters, far too relaxed and off guard, and this is what the criminals look out for,” she added.
