CRIME SPREE: Thugs call the shots in Boksburg

Of late, the number of people who have been attacked by armed robbers while in their homes or businesses appears to be spiking, raising fear among home owners and business people.

Concerned residents recently told the Advertiser that they constantly live in fear, not only in the neighbourhood, but also inside their own homes.

A recent police crime report has also revealed how Boksburg residents are being terrorised by heartless criminals.

The SAPS crime statistics indicated that, in the Boksburg policing precinct, crimes, including robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises, as well as burglaries at residential and non-residential premises, have, for the past three years, been increasing significantly.

Although the recent police statistics showed that carjacking has decreased slightly, compared to the previous year, anecdotal evidence appears to suggest otherwise, as dozens of car are reported stolen on a weekly basis in the precinct.

Lately, even police officers have become victims of heavily armed robbers.

On July 29, a patrolling police officer was killed after he and his colleague were ambushed by about 10 would-be robbers at the Chris Hani Mall, in Vosloorus.

Meanwhile, two Boksburg SAPS members were left red-faced after bogus cops robbed them of their service pistol during a robbery along Rondebult Road, Parkdene, on July 28.

Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Lieut Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese, admitted that, despite the general decrease in other types of crimes, the level of crime in respect of armed robbery in their policing precinct is unacceptable.

He also admitted that the criminals are becoming more violent, brazen and less predictable.

Ngobese said the most affected areas include Sunward Park, Parkrand and Farrar Park, as well as certain areas in the CBD.

He, added that management has recently gathered to strategise on how to bring the crime rate under control, and has also introduced a new working system to prevent crime before it occurs.

He, therefore, assured residents that his station is doing everything possible to ensure Boksburg becomes a safer place to live in and to do business.

“We have come up with strategies on how to bring the crime rate under control, and such strategies will put us one step ahead of criminals – and enable us to predict new methods criminals use to commit crime and thus stop it before it occurs,” he said.

“Various police units remain focused on ensuring that issues of public safety are attended to with the seriousness they deserve.”

Ngobese said active community engagement in the fight against crime remains a vital tool.

“It’s always important for the community to help by being the eyes and ears of the police, by reporting suspicious activity,” he added.

“If you see anything that seems out of the ordinary to you, your neighbours and your area, report it to your nearest police station – so they are able to check it out.”

Police also remind residents that it is essential that they keep doors locked at all times.

Information you are able to provide, such as a description of the person(s) may help to identify a suspect or a vehicle model, make and licence plate, even a partial description is helpful.

To report suspicious activities, residents can call their sector vehicles or nearest police station, contact Crime Line on 08600 10111, or send an anonymous tip-off to the hotline’s 32211 SMS service. -@FanieFLK