The Din-Al-View CPF acting head patroller, Francois Clifford, is warning people in the area about certain crime trends.
Dinwiddie, Albemarle, Castleview, Norton Small Farms and Union fall within the Din-Al-View area.
The public and patrollers in the area are urged to be on the lookout for the following:
- Suspicious-looking vehicles:
Most of the time criminals are very organised and know how to get away quickly and easily.
They plan their getaway before the crime.
“When you give a description to the CPF or the police saying there were two suspects who fled, all they will be looking for is two people and not a car and three suspects,” Clifford said.
“This is how they get away.
“We need the community’s support to please report any suspicious-looking vehicle standing still in a place where there is no reason fir it to be.
“Report it immediately; you might be saving someone’s life.”
- Hijackings:
The Wits Rifles on-and-off ramps to the N17 are prime hijacking hotspots.
There are open fields from which to watch, large bushes and reeds in which to hide and a quick getaway to Katlehong, Wadeville, Rondebult or Germiston.
“People should also be careful in places where people are begging, your concentration is on the beggar and not on your surroundings,” said Clifford.
“A lot of hijackers pay the beggars not to warn people and they comply as they need the cash, or are already a part of the syndicate.”
Never stop on the side of the road to help someone change a tyre; it could be a set up, with the hijackers sitting and waiting for you to assist.
“They especially use women to act as if they have had a breakdown,” Clifford added.
“If you have to help, call the SAPS sector van or EMPD and tell them that there is a woman stuck at a location.
“Think about it, all of us have cellphones, all of us have someone who can help somewhere.
“If not, rather be selfish and safe instead of becoming a victim.
“There are auto assist companies that will help so keep their numbers on you if you really feel the need to help.”.
Clifford added that the Din-Al-View CPF needs the community to work with them and help to create awareness.
“Remember, you are only as strong as the person next to you when it comes to fighting crime, if you aren’t helping we lose half the battle,” he said.
When it comes to meetings, the CPF encourages all community members to attend.
“If the community stands together and attends meetings, patrollers are motivated and have a reason to spend their free time patrolling for members who do care about the person next to them, and do it unconditionally.
“Please take half an hour of your time once a month to attend,” Clifford said.
Other Din-Al-View articles:
Home invasions on the increase in the Din-Al-View area
Housebreakings on the increase in Din-Al-View area
