The lockdown may be a headache for most but the police are enjoying the changes it has come with. Brixton Police Station is one of those and they are stating that all of their crimes have been positively affected by the lockdown. Spokesperson of the station Jeanette Backhoff said, “All crime has decreased drastically during this period, especially contact crimes.”
Contact crimes refer to crimes where the victims are targets of violence, these include murder, aggravated robbery and sexual offences. Assault cases have experienced the biggest decline in reports during this time, according to Backhoff.
The trading of liquor has been an issue in the precinct but the police have been hot on the heels of these law breakers. Backhoff said, “We have closed a few shebeens, over 575 bottles of beer have been confiscated from one, fridges have also been confiscated as well to avoid further trading. Cigarettes have also been confiscated as well from a few tuck shops in the area.”
Unfortunately, attempts to assist the homeless have seen a few challenges. Backhoff explained, “Most of the community has adhered to rules but the homeless people seem to be a problem as they do not want to go to the shelters that have been put in place for them.”
Shops owned by foreign nationals are not adhering to the regulations and remain open, according to the spokesperson. “The public alert the shops when the police are coming so it’s hard to address the matter.”
Brixton Police Station thanks the various security companies they have worked with during the lockdown. “The security companies have been constantly helping us during this time. They have taken part in every operation the station had and continue to assist with patrols.”
Backhoff added that the station’s reservist have also reported for duty to assist with the lockdown.
The station is continuing their plea with the public to remain indoors and follow the rules of the lockdown. Backhoff expressed, “We encourage the community at large to continue to uphold the laws of the country and the regulations of the Disaster Act.”
She thanked those that have adhered to the rules and encouraged those that aren’t to start doing so. “We understand that these are trying times but only with solidarity can we face this enemy together. Only together can we win, we will see better days and we will be together again.”
