Report crime early to assist police analyse crime trends
According to police, reporting all cases gives them an indication of the areas they need to focus on.
![Generic police stock photo](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2017/11/Police-are-urging-residents-to-come-forward-if-they-have-been-defrauded-by-the-alleged-fraud-duo-fraudsters.1-716x537.jpg)
HILLCREST SAPS has reminded the public that if people do not report cases it becomes difficult for police to have the correct analysis of the crimes being committed.
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She said Hillcrest police have noticed an increase in ‘late reported’ cases.
“When we analyse our reported crime we then focus on targeted areas and place our vehicles to specifically patrol those areas. When crime is reported days or weeks later this throws our analysis out and instead of focusing on targeted areas when the trend arises we are patrolling areas where the crimes occurred days to weeks earlier,” explained Smith.
By a decrease in stats for certain crimes, Smith stated that it shows that this strategy does work.
“If the community does not or in some cases refuse to open cases we will have less indication of where to focus on.”
In order for the police to try be as effective as possible, Smith urged the community to report their cases timeously and not delay, especially policeable crimes.
She added, “If the community can work together with police and we have more vigilant people, we can make a difference. If you are new to the area, find out who your neighbourhood watch team/s are and join/sign up. Here you can place posts on the group where we have key players directly linked to a response group.”
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