THE New Germany residents and security companies, who were part of the Ridge Road meeting on Saturday to discuss the increase in crime in the area, reached a decision that erecting guard huts would help monitor who enters and exits the area.
This comes after an increase in criminal activities in recent months.
Organiser of the meeting and Ridge Road captain, Alwyn Bunce, said the meeting was meant to be a social braai for residents to meet, but they could not ignore the issue of crime in the area.
Also read: Man shot during hijacking in New Germany
“I have noticed that there is no guard huts in our area and the problem is almost all of us work during the day and that is when criminals get a chance to window-shop at our homes.
“I believe that putting up guard huts will stop the criminals from getting in freely in the area,” he said.
At the moment, there have been talks of putting up three huts.“The security guards will be able to spot any suspicious activities and then alert their security companies,” said Bunce.
Bunce also spoke about the importance of knowing your neighbours.
Also read: New Germany woman hijacked and raped
“You do not have to be best buddies but it is important that neighbours exchange phone numbers to alert one another if they suspect any dodge activities. We need to look at the bigger picture and work together as the community. We have to work together with the police and the security companies as they can not always be there all the time.”
Hijackings on the rise
In the past six to eight months, Bunce said there has been a spike in crime in the area. “There have been lots of hijackings, it is like New Germany has become a hot spot for hijackers.
“What we have noticed is that hijackers do not always approach their victims in a car, but now walk in groups of three to five. If a resident sees a suspicious group of men, regardless of their race, they should drive past their house for a few minutes and only enter when the surroundings are clear.
“There have been many instances when victims have seen people walking in the streets and the next minute they have a gun pointed at them.”
He added that although it is expensive, people should consider buying an electrical gate.
“Hijackings are not the only crime that we are faced with in the area, there are also house robberies and dog thefts which are being used in a dog fight syndicate,” said Bunce.
Residents should be aware of their surroundings
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, W/O Muzi Maphumulo said residents, not only in New Germany, should be aware of their surroundings.
“Residents should stand up for themselves and support one another, but I do not promote people taking the law into their own hands.
“They should attend CPF meetings to keep themselves up to date with what is happening around them.”
Maphumulo recommended the act of the community who assisted in arresting four men who robbed a 79-year-old woman at the New Germany Library.
“Action like this can assist to decrease crime as we should not allow criminals to rule us,” he said.
He added that if people feel that they are not happy with police work, they should complain to police superiors, it is their right.
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