To keep their communities safe this holiday season, Boksburg police said they are all set and prepared to deal with the spike in crime prevalent during the holiday period.
According to the Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Sgt Ntsako Ledwaba, her station has kickstarted its plan of action for the festive season within the precinct.
“We are working 24/7 and members are not going on holiday. We will have a number of special duties – and to cope with the problems experienced during the festive period, this will see officers being called into action even after their normal shifts have ended,” explained Ledwaba.
The special duty teams will be engaged in various forms of operations, including raids, patrols in the known hot spots and tracking wanted criminals. They will also be, on weekends in particular, targeting both legal and illegal liquor outlets and drunken drivers.
“We are also focusing on shopping centres, especially mugging and car theft hot spots in our precinct, to ensure the safety of Christmas shoppers. And as part of our plans, high visibility patrols will be increased in these areas, including the Boksburg CBD.
Hot spots of property-related crimes, such as burglary at residential and non-residential premises, will also get intensified policing during the festive period.
Community involvement is key
Ledwaba pointed out that to win the war against crime, as the police, they need public or community assistance. She called on communities to report or expose any criminal activities in their communities.
“Ensuring your safety is our daily task. But we also urge residents to do their part, such as avoiding actions that would put them at high risk of falling victims to scammers and robbers. These include avoiding carrying large amount of cash and buying goods from unverified sellers who advertise goods, such as cars and other properties, online.”
More boots on the ground
During a recent event held in Boksburg North to launch the SAPS festive season anti-crime operation targeting armed robbery hot spots, including cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng police commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela vowed to squeeze the space for criminals in the City.
Speaking at the event, Mawela said Boksburg would see more boots on the ground ahead and during the festive period in problematic spots. He said in the congested problematic informal settlements with very narrow passages, officers will conduct foot patrols and fact-finding missions. It, however, remains to be seen whether the local police stations are ready to conduct foot beats in those congested and overcrowded areas identified as crime dens.
Members of the public with information about criminal activities are advised to call their respective sector vehicle numbers or their police stations. Criminal activities can also be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211 or go online at www.crimeline.co.za
Covid-19 regulations
The police also reminded residents to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations and enjoy themselves in a responsible manner during the holidays.
“Let’s continue to protecting ourselves and others by sanitising, putting on our mask and keeping safe social distance, when in public areas in particular.”
The EMPD also recently launched its Ekurhuleni Arrive Alive campaign in Kingsway.
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