According to police spokesperson W/O Madeleine von Wielligh some residents tend to exclude the police in certain incidents such as dog poisoning, house breaking and drug related matters.
“When it comes to crime, the police do not regard any incident as minor. A small incident may be the start of something far greater and if not duly reported, crime will ultimately escalate,” she said.
The police also praised the local community policing forum for its part in fighting crime, but warned the community that the CPF is merely a structure that operates under the umbrella of the police. Participation in the CPF can assist in bringing the police and the community together. Drug abuse is a good example.
“When a drug user deals in drugs, he/she is breaking the law and the police will have to deal with the matter. The suspect will be tried by the judiciary and may be imprisoned, but if drug dealing is not reported to the police, the problem cannot be eliminated.”
W/O Von Wielligh also warned residents of a new tendency in residential crime, whereby suspects would approach domestic workers and claim to be builders or contract workers. They would the tell the domestic worker that they need to work on the property or inside the house and in some instances even make a fake telephone call to the property owner.
“Residents should warn their domestic workers or gardeners to never allow any person access to a property, unless it was personally confirmed and arranged between them,” W/O Von Wielligh said.
Residents should be especially alert when leaving stores or shopping centres as this is when criminals target victims to rob them of cash, credit cards, cellphones and even their cars. “Look around and inside your vehicle before you get in. If you are concerned for any reason, simply walk past your car and call for help. Always keep emergency numbers handy,” she said.
Emergency numbers for the different sectors in Nigel are as follow:
Sector 1 vehicle: 071 675 7022 – W/O Justin Sherwood: 082 228 9040
Sector 2 vehicle: 071 675 7021/7023 – Const M Nong: 082 774 9827
Sector 3 vehicle: 071 675 7026 – W/O Grobbies Grobler: 011 812 6506 or 082 787 2901
SAPS Nigel: 011 812 6511 or 011 812 6503; Nigel Metro Police: 011 999 9093.