FENCE hopping has become a huge issue across Durban, and all communities are reporting an increase in fence hopping during the evening and early mornings during curfew.
So says Heather Roos, chairperson of the Umbilo Community Policing Forum (CPF). Roos said Umbilo SAPS has been alerted to the increase in activities in all areas in the Glenwood/Umbilo community.
She said the police have requested their patrol vehicles to be more observant of people moving around during curfew and to then apprehend them and do the necessary law enforcement.
“SAPS request that all residents who notice fence hoppers, or people moving around during curfew time are urged to report this immediately. Remember to request a reference number. Try to note clothing worn by the fence hopper as well as the direction in which the fence hopper has moved towards if possible. Also then alert the security armed response company that you are with,” she said.
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She said the SAPS is grateful for the assistance security companies are rendering to SAPS and the community, however she said residents must remember that security companies do not have the same authority as SAPS and therefore cannot just apprehend anyone walking on a public road, even during curfew, unless the person has committed a crime.
“Both SAPS and the CPF have taken the increase in fence hopping in all areas of our community over the past months seriously, and understand the concerns of all residents. We ask residents to report fence hopping and any other crimes, no matter how petty, to SAPS and the CPF, so that these roads and areas can be noted and listed and more patrols set out accordingly,” said Roos.
She said if reports are not done through correct channels, then it will be difficult for both SAPS or the CPF to be aware of, or to make note of, and therefore these will not be followed up on.
Residents who notice fence hoppers, or people moving around during curfew time are urged to report these cases to 10111.
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