Safety and security in a community are made possible through law enforcement working with security companies and residents.
Two security companies that patrol the area confirmed that theft from restaurants is one of the more common crimes they deal with in Melville’s vibey restaurant strip.
The area is predominantly protected by Fidelity ADT Security, Alert Security and Armed Response Service and CSS Security, who are dedicated to dealing with crime related incidents in the area. Crime compromises the safety of both residents and business owners.
The police and security companies are not taking the matter lightly and are working as a team to combat this.
Alert Security and Armed Response Service founder Rafiek Shamar said the main crimes in the area are theft of, and out of, motor vehicles, house burglaries and theft in restaurants. “Melville is busy in terms of the nightlife and restaurants, it’s extremely prone to theft,” he said.
“When it comes to hijackings and theft of vehicles in the area, it’s a 55 per cent contributor to crime. Most of the car guards in the area operate illegally and are not registered with the private security industry, which is the authority which regulates them.”
Shamar claimed that there have been instances where a car guard assists criminals who monitor the movements of restaurant goers. Shamar advised people not go on a night out with valuables in their a car, but rather leave them at home.
Fidelity ADT community development manager Natasha Springfield said in order for community safety to be successful, all stakeholders need to be involved. This includes business owners, students, residents and security companies.
“There are a number of residents who offer their time to patrol the streets in order to ensure their communities are safe. However, there are also a number of people who aren’t aware of all the initiatives in the community, but together we can all make a difference,” she said.
CSS Security tactical area manager Solly Mvundla also said one of the predominant crimes committed in the area is theft in restaurants. The most recent incident took place last week when a customer’s cellphone was stolen at a restaurant, however, the suspect was later apprehended.
He added that in another incident last month, there was another cellphone theft at a restaurant on the corner of 3rd and Main avenues. Through their CCTV footage, the security company managed to identify a group of men getting into their getaway vehicle with an incomplete registration number.
“Residents must do their best to stay alert at all times,” said Mvundla
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