Westville SAPS blows the whistle on crime

WITH the festive season fast approaching, residents have once again been encouraged to take extra safety precautions.

Westville SAPS together with the Safety and Liaison Department, Metro, community policing forum and Safety Net recently hosted a safety awareness campaign in the Westville CBD which is one of the crime hot spots in the area.

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During the walkabout, pamphlets with valuable information were distributed to the public.

Westville CPF chairman, Asad Patel said with the easing in lockdown regulations crime was on the increase.

“With this campaign, we want to warn the community and also provide them with safety measures and tips,” said Patel.

He said the common crimes that usually occur in the area are home invasions, hijackings and armed robberies.

“Recently two cars were stolen and one attempted hijacking was reported on the same day,” he said.

Patel mentioned that criminals know no boundaries as taxi drivers, commuters and students are also targeted.

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He said in 2019 and 2020, the Westville CPF and Safety Net provided whistles at the stops so commuters could whistle if any crime was being perpetrated and thereby draw attention to their plight.

“We are distributing the whistles again as that campaign yielded great results,” added Patel.

Cyber crime skyrocket

Tshepo Khomo from the Safety and Liaison Department said this is one of the many campaigns building up to the festive season.

“Crime increases during this time and the police have been inundated by people reporting being victims of online scams.

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“People are scammed at ATMs and most people have bought things online which they never received. More people will be buying online and they should be double checking before depositing the money,” advised Khomo.

The issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was also highlighted.

Khomos said GBV is one of silent crimes happening behind closed doors. 

“People should not be scared to speak out so that they can get help and don’t suffer silently,” he said.

Westville SAPS communications officer, Capt Elizabeth Squires urged the public to work together with the police.

“We are appealing to the public to be more vigilant when it comes to buying goods online, especially vehicles and animals.” 

She added that police are also doing their best but can not do it alone. 

“We have had some perpetrators arrested, others were recently sentenced,” said Squires.

Safety tips to help avoid becoming a victim:
– If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
– If possible, check the seller’s rating and feedback.
– Avoid meeting sellers at locations that seem unsafe, especially sellers who refuse to meet you in a public space.
– Do not give your credit card or banking details to a seller.
– Do not take cash with you the first time you meet a seller. Once you have verified that it is a legitimate deal, rather draw the money from a nearby ATM.
-. Take your time inspecting the goods and make sure that they are/work as advertised.
– If a seller claims to represent a reputable dealer, verify their details with the dealer.
– Do not pay a holding deposit. 

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