Police handed out pamphlets to residents who were home and left pamphlets on the gates of homes where no one was around. Country View, which used to be under Olievenhoutbosch Police Station, is now part of the Midrand Police Station policing area and police are working to curb crime in Midrand’s oldest surburb.
A resident at Plumbago Street, Stanley Pitso, said residents in his area take turns to walk around, during the day or at night, to keep an eye on each other’s properties. He said, “We are grateful for the presence of police, at any given time a car or two patrol our area. We feel safer knowing there is a police car driving around.”
Pitso also stated that while there was an incident recently where a homeowner found two unknown people on his property, who quickly ran away, the area has had very few incidents of crime lately.
He added that residents should attend community meetings when police call one, as police will be holding the meeting to inform people of crimes in the area and ways to report crime.
Freesia Street residents, Nthabiseng Dlongolo and neighbour Siphiwe Mpanza, live opposite the Country View Park which was reportedly an area where criminal activities took place. Both residents reported that this year on their street, there have been no incidents of crime or any problems noticed in the park lately.
Residents Zacharia Lethetsa, Dora Maimane, Khakhathi Makwarela, Tebogo Tseleli and Osama Asad also received information pamphlets from Midrand police.
Midrand police spokesperson Constable Matome Tlamela confirmed that police will continue to monitor streets such as Fire Lily Street and keep residents aware of suspected criminal activity and which crimes affect the areas.
The pamphlets contained these tips:
- Do not leave your garage, front or back door open or partially open. It serves as an invitation to burglars.
- Only open windows that have quality burglar bars, thereby preventing easy access.
- Windows left open should not be visible from the street.
- When purchasing quality items, don’t throw boxes in refuse bins that show name brands. Criminals are on the lookout for that. Cut boxes up and seal the pieces in a black bag.
- Know your neighbours so that suspicious movement can be noted and reported to the police.
- Have proof of identity of all employees.
- Don’t go out if you hear your dogs barking. Criminals could be waiting for you outside. Test your alarms and panic buttons at least once every month to ensure that they are working.
- Be the eyes and ears of your local police and report anything suspicious to your security company or the police.
- Always activate your alarm if you leave your residence.
- Ensure that your domestic worker and gardener are aware of expected deliveries in your absence.
Details: Midrand Police Station, 011 347 1600.
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