Don’t be a victim of crime

MUSGRAVE residents are encouraged to be more aware and vigilant to avoid becoming victims of crime in the area.

Ward councillor, Chris Pappas, said he has been tasked by the police to help raise awareness, and encouraged residents to follow safety tips from the police to remain safe.

“Thanks to the efforts of the Berea SAPS, the local CPF, citizen activism and Metro Police, theft of motor vehicles has decreased by 40 since the same period last year. However, hijackings have seen an increase,” he said.

He urged residents to be alert when entering and exiting their property, when stationary at a traffic light or stop street, when collecting children from school, and when getting into their car after shopping.

“Make sure your tracking device on your vehicle is working and paid up. Between 7pm and midnight are the most common times for theft of vehicles during the week, so if you can avoid leaving vehicles on the street, please do,” he said.

Pappas said the police have informed him that the most common housebreak-ins or house robberies are happening in flats and apartments.

“Please do not think that because you live on the second or third floor of an apartment complex that you can let your guard down. Please make sure that you have burglar guards especially if you are in an apartment complex,” he said.

He said if residents loose their access control disk for their building they must get it deactivated.

“Having a security guard on the street has proved successful in the Overport/Essenwood area. Musgrave residents should consider approaching neighbours to see if they can get a security guard for their street. Streets where there is a security guard and traffic cones to monitor access to small roads during the evenings are proving successful. Boom gates are, however, not legal,” he said.

He said residents should also be aware when they are picking up and dropping off children at school and are warned not to frequent parks at night. “If there is a local patrol in your area please get involved and please make sure it complies with the law,” he said.

Pappas urged residents to remember that other factors can contribute to crime, including broken street lights, dark yards, unkempt yards and valuable items left visible from the road.

“If you have a street light that is not working in your street please report it. I do try and do night time drives every so often but we can stay ahead of the game if we work together,” he said.

Residents can report issues to eservices@durban.gov.za, and are encouraged to cc the councillor (ward31@ethekwini.org) in the email.

Important numbers

Berea SAPS: 031 202 4167

Metro Police: 031 311 2812