The stats indicate that drug-related crime has increased from 88 cases (April to March 2012/13) to a whopping 213 cases (April to March 2013/14).
According to Dawn Park police spokesperson Charles Tshabalala, young people are taking drugs to gain the courage to commit horrendous crimes.
“Parents are not assisting us with information about their children who are using and selling. We need the public to come forward and cooperate with the police so we can fight this problem,” says Tshabalala.
Tshabalala says that the use of drugs is contributing to the increase in attempted murder, which has gone up from 36 cases to 46, and robbery with aggravating circumstances, which has increased from 196 cases to 288.
Other crimes which have gone up include burglary at residential premises which shows an increase from 499 to 545 cases and hi-jacking which has gone up from 66 to 117 cases.
Tshabalala says residents should change the direction they take when heading home, and should also not have a similar routine that they follow on a daily basis.
“Criminals start by studying the targets daily movements. If possible residents should sometimes try and get someone (a relative or whoever they stay with) to open the gate for them just to change their routine,” he says.
Tshabalala also warns that although there are precautionary measures that can be followed to avoid falling victim of hi-jacking, if one finds themselves being a victim they should not fight back.
“Criminals come armed with guns and ready to shoot to kill. Residents should not resist if they are being hijacked, and should hand over the vehicle to avoid being killed or disabled,” he advises.
Unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition increased from 25 cases to 52, while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs went up from 22 to 132 cases.
Sexual crimes went down from 90 cases to 74. -@TumeloBoksburg
