Protected trail used by uMgeni Park thieves

IT is a story all to familiar for Durban residents, where criminals use the beautiful environmentally sensitive and recreational spots against the surrounding community.

This is exactly the case with residents living adjacent and around the D’MOSS area on Collard Road in uMgeni Park.

After three robberies in ten days, residents say they are living in constant fear.

The dilapidated fence has provided would-be-thieves with easy access into the protected area.

One resident, Danny Payne, told the Northglen News that he had ventured into the vegetation after he had been targeted by the thieves.

“I climbed in through one of the holes in the fence and at first I spotted a few trails leading into the vegetation then I saw the spot where they would sift through the their stolen loot. I could not believe what I saw. Not only was it polluted with litter and discarded clothes, but they had also destroyed the vegetation,” said Payne.

A Neighbouring resident, York Leyland, said he had been broken into twice in the spate of ten days.

“The brazen guys target our homes during the day. My domestic worker was at home when they struck the one time. She locked herself upstairs. She has been traumatised. They managed to escape with thousands of rands of equipment,” said the irate home owner.

Payne said he had also suffered a devastating loss. “They took virtually everything. They even smashed the safe out of the wall, and tipped every room in the house upside down,” he said.

Since then the Natural Resources Department has stepped up to clear the effected area. Councillor Shaun Ryley, urged residents to use the proper formats to report relevant issues.

Suspicious activities and people should always be reported to the SAPS first, by dialing 10111.

“Do not phone the station. As it does not log the report. And police can easily deny receiving the report, but by dialing the emergency number the report remains in the database until someone responds to the call,” explained Ryley.

Once the police have been notified resident can call their security companies. Illegal dumping should be reported to Durban Solid Waste by dialing 031 311 8804 or 031 361 0000.

“Remember to take down a reference number when making the report and to follow up with the issue in a few days. If the resident is still not getting and service or response they can contact me,” he said

People constructing structures illegally should be reported to the land invasion unit by contacting 031 311 4899.