GREENWOOD Park SAPS has noticed a rise in criminal activity, not only with house and business break-ins but with online shopping fraud and theft of copper cables.
According to police, there’s even a conman doing the rounds asking people for money for a ‘charitable cause’ he is assisting.
Domestic violence, gender-based violence and drug issues are also areas of concern.
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Business and home owners are asked to take all the necessary precautions to secure their properties.
This come after detectives and the precinct noticed a common modus operandi among business owners specifically.
“In business robberies, security guards are held up and the property is broken into. Company computers are often stolen,” said Greenwood Park SAPS spokesperson Jerome Slater.
The recently affected areas are Springfield Park, Sea Cow Lake, Briardene and Riverhorse Valley.
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He said theft out of residential property occurs mostly during the day when people are at work, while business break-ins occurs most often at night and over the weekend when businesses are closed.
Kenville, Park Hill, Effingham and Avoca Hills have been hit recently.
Police have also prompted courier service drivers and assistants who transport valuables for delivery to also put their guards up as they have become easy targets, since online shopping has become more popular in the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Criminals follow the delivery truck, hold up the driver and then remove the goods from the vehicle,” said Slater. Online shopping fraud has also reared its ugly head again, and in most cases it’s often established that the company does not exist after the purchase has been made and paid for.
“Please verify all your information and the identity of people you are dealing with,” said Slater.
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With regards to the alleged conman, the person introduces himself as a pastor or police officer, requesting donations for charity and feeding schemes.
“Sometimes they also offer to assist you in obtaining firearms licenses and firearm renewals. Please do not fall for these criminals that appeal to your heart or offer you services that you can only be completed at a police station itself,” said Slater.
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Investigations in the theft of copper cable cases revealed that it is mainly railway and light poles that are mostly targeted. Report all copper cable related crime immediately to your nearest police station as these crimes affect infrastructure in the communities. Social ills, such as gender-based violence and the dealing in and possession of drugs, must be reported to the police.
“The SAPS are passionate about removing all drugs in Greenwood Park. Please report the unlawful dealing in or possession of drugs in our streets and gender-based violence incidents. We urge you to also report domestic violence.”
Slater added that although there have been numerous arrests and recoveries by SAPS and security companies, Greenwood Park is still a significant area to be policed.
“This requires assistance from you as the community to be our eyes and ears. We ask residents to work with the SAPS to help reduce and improve crime in our communities,” he said.
Report incidents to Crime Stop on 0860010111 or Greenwood Park SAPS on 031 571 6512/3/4.
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