The Sophiatown Police Station is actively working towards reducing crime in the precinct.
Commander for the station, Brigadier Susan Crafford said the number of crime incidents from last year has reduced significantly.
“We faced a number of challenges in terms of the shootings, attempted murder and gangsterism. I must say with the implemented strategies, systems and arrests, we did quite well statistically.
“There were fewer contact crimes and shootouts due to identifying and arresting gangsters. In terms of property crimes, such housebreakings, and theft of motor vehicles, we still have a challenge,” said Crafford.
However, she said there is an executive Community Policing Forum consisting of seven members running projects and initiatives in order to create safer suburbs.
“Their most recent meeting took place on 13 February where the safety plan for the year was discussed, the police’s priority crimes the forum assists with and planning for the new financial year.”
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There are also volunteers at the victim support centre who assist people with trauma caused by domestic violence and provide referrals to social development and external companies. The commander encouraged more volunteers to offer their assistance.
“In terms of the Uber attacks, there is a task force. Whenever there is crime reported relating to Uber, the team responds. We had quite a number of incidents which happened at an illegal gambling place called Royal Flash. It was closed last year.
“The police received a number of complaints about crime incidents which would take place there. Since the place was closed down, there has no longer been any Uber-related attacks.”
She said every incident is not Uber related, however, they had five incidents in the last quarter.
Spokesperson for Sophiatown Police Station, Warrant Officer TJ de Bruyn said, “People should not be afraid to report crime and assume the police won’t assist them. That is the only way we can address incidents when we are made aware of them.
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