Empowering the community to fight crime, the sector crime forum held a public meeting to report on the crime statistics within Sector 3.
Sergeant Matome Tlamela of the Midrand Police Station said it is important for residents to know what is happening in their area. “House burglaries continue to be a concern in this sector. I will encourage residents to be familiar with their neighbours,” Tlamela said.
The forum meetings aim to discuss action plans with the sector commander in order to deal with crime.
A representative of the Crowthorne area, Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said, looking back on the early stages of this sector, she is happy and proud of the work that has been done so far.
“It is all about security working together, being united in making sure that crime stays away. Crime only goes to areas that are not organised,” said Deppe.
Sector 3, which is made up of Blue Hills, Country View, Erand, Noordwyk and Crowthorne, continues to be a hotbed for theft, burglaries and sexual offences.
In his report, Sector 3 chairperson, Mokete Makubakube said in recent months, crime has increased in closed complexes.
“The challenge is that criminals rent a unit for six months and burglarise units within the complex. Although they are screened before they enter the complex, they are not screened when moving out,” said Makubakube.
Although Sector 3 is the biggest contributor of crime in all five sectors within Midrand, a plan is in place to eradicate crime. “A joint patrol team with the South African Police Service, local security companies and the community is underway. These weekly patrols will ensure that crime levels decrease,” he added.
Theft out of motor vehicle seems to be a threat in efforts to fighting crime. The jamming of vehicles has been reported at shopping centres and at schools. The South African Police Service is appealing to the community to be vigilant.
A resident said it is unfortunate that residents do not attend these meeting. He added that crime is a serious issue which affects everyone.
According to the sector chairperson, it plans to establish community policing forums in all areas. It also aims to create free movement through complexes and other areas within the sector.
The next Sector 3 crime forum is expected to be held in May 2019.
