ERA shares crime issues facing the area

The Emmarentia Residents Association (ERA) placed a special focus on safety and security at their annual general meeting on 26 March 2019. Geraldine Connell, chairperson, and head of the security portfolio of the ERA addressed the issue of the recent crime spike in the area…

Connell highlighted specific few issues, “Leaving valuables in your cars is a no-go. Criminals will smash your backseat windows, push the seat forward and steal anything and everything from the boot.

“Cell phone theft off restaurants tables is also on the increase. Be sure to avoid leaving valuables on tables.”

She praised the current car-guard management system in place in Parkwood that she hopes to launch in Greenside as well. The car guards in the area are all on a database that has their personal details and fingerprints from the police station. Only these guards are allowed to work in the area and a payment system has been set up where motorists can scan a QR code to pay them and they retrieve the money from major local grocery stores.

She encouraged residents to work with the police. “Parkview Police Station are under-resourced in personnel and vehicles but have managed to establish good working relationships with security companies in the area. They will continue to assist one another to ensure the safety of the community.”

Connell thanked these security companies for stepping in to fill the role that police struggled with.

She reminded residents to not share photos of crime suspects as it results in them possibly getting away with the crime they may have committed. “Please do not circulate these online as lawyers use it as a defence of their client. They tell the courts that the suspect has been tried on social media and this eventually results in the case being thrown out.”

Connell cautioned residents about the rise of cable theft and airport follow-home robberies and to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times.