uMhlanga authorities set to battle escalating crime
In an effort to battle robberies, prositution and drugs the Ridge Management Association in uMhlanga urged the community to take on a proactive stance to crime.
FOLLOWING reports of a spike in crime north of Durban, Dean O’Brian, security manager of the Ridge Management Association, said uMhlanga has been no exception.
According to O’Brian, the heart of the area has not only seen an increase in business and house break-ins but also drug abuse and prostitution. What’s more, he said residents’ ‘blasé’ attitude to crime has not assisted the efforts of authorities.
“We are appealing to the community to work hand-in-hand with the association, police and security companies so that we can get a grip on the situation before it escalates out of hand,” he said.
“The community needs to be proactive and catch a wake-up. Some people don’t activate their alarms or leave their wallets, laptops or cell phones in clear sight. Any businesses that do not lock down their electronics should do so now. Criminals are targeting electronics,” he said.
The passionate crime fighter said car dealerships have become a favourite target among criminals, where they scope out the premises while pretending to browse the vehicles only to return at a later time to swipe the electronics in the store.
He added that last month the association responded to seven house break-in incidents.
“Authorities are thin-lined and so we need the community to start coming together to combat crime. I believe social media is the next step and I am urging community members to sign up to our WhatsApp group,” he said.
“We have also been battling the use of illegal substances, including dagga, cocaine and pills. Last year we made 100 dagga related arrests. On Wednesday last week (3 March) we made another several arrests,” he said.
What was most concerning, added O’Brian, was that the majority of these incidents involved minors ranging from 14 years and older.
As for the prostitution, he said Millenium Way had especially become a popular roadway for the illicit activity. Contact Dean O’Brian on 071 678 0978.
Police to increase surveillance
Lt Raymond Deokaran, spokesman for the Durban North Police Station, confirmed that several drug-related arrests were made in the area. However, he said, they had been unable to nab any dealers.
Deokaran said the crime rate had not only prompted the station to increase surveillance in the area but also to request assistance from the organised crime unit.
“We are planning an operation as we have received information regarding prostitutes soliciting on street corners as well as within establishments is the area,” he said.
