The Din-Al-View CPF is concerned about the increase of crime in the sector, particularly that of house break-in.
During the last two years, house break-ins have increased from less than five per month to more than double that number.
Unfortunately, when residents are home, the crime escalates to robbery.
A common trend is for homes with open gates to be selected for this crime.
The sector has experienced many power failures recently and this may be the reason residents don’t close their gates.
The CPF appeals to residents to disable electric gate motors and to close and lock gates if the motor malfunctions.
This is important when leaving the house, but even more important when the home is occupied.
The pattern of crime in the sector has also changed.
Thursday during the daytime was the most common day for house break-ins as refuse removal takes place then, but lately, Saturday daytime burglaries have become more common.
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The items stolen have also decreased in size.
Large TV screens have lost favour with criminals who now appear to target cellphones, jewellery, tablets, laptops and cash.
Many quick burglaries take place as the criminals are in and out quickly before security guards are able to respond.
Caravans, outbuildings and huts on residential properties are also a target at present.
Since four suspects were arrested for lifting electric gates off the tracks, this crime has decreased.
However, the theft of motor vehicles from inside locked garages has increased.
One case of remote jamming of a car also took place recently, with a laptop being stolen from inside the car.
As technology increases, cars with keyless starting have been targeted by criminals who capture the signal from the remote on a device that can be used to start the car at a later stage.
Cash is becoming more desirable as bank clients who withdraw large sums of cash are still being followed home from the bank before being robbed.
ATM cards are also being stolen at ATMs and the PIN being captured on a camera.
Keep the keypad covered or withdraw from a supermarket cashier.
The sector is appealing to residents to join the CPF and for members to become active patrollers.
The SAPS previously had two patrol vehicles in the sector for about 22 hours per day.
This has been cut to one vehicle and the time taken to respond to crimes has increased.
The SAPS Sector vehicle is equipped with a cellphone and may be contacted directly on 071 675 6862 or 071 675 6863.
The SAPS call centre number is 10111. Dial 112 from a cellphone, even without airtime.
Any resident of Dinwiddie, Albemarle, Castleview, Union or Norton Small Farms who would like more information about joining the CPF can contact the public relations officer Teresa Robertson on 076 941 6989.
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