A rise in crime for Blairgowrie
Crime is on the increase, but continued resident involvement helps, says Captain Alex Vermaak.
BLAIRGOWRIE – At his recent presentation about the state of crime in Sector 1, Captain Alex Vermaak from the Linden Police Station said burglaries in residential areas have increased drastically in the last year. “Blairgowrie has the biggest increase but it is also the biggest area in Sector 1. The numbers increased from 93 burglaries to 165 this year. It is also disturbing that Robindale had no such incidents last year but this [area] had them.” Vermaak gave an outline of contact crimes. “Aggravated robbery had the biggest rise from 17 to 45. Sexual offences increased from 5 to 7, attempted murder increased from 0 to 1 and common robbery increased from 21 to 22. On a positive note common assault dropped from 66 to 48.”
Property-related crimes increased; non-residential from 20 to 37, residential from 125 to 228, motor vehicle from 84 to 94, and theft out of or from a motor vehicle decreased from 141 to 139.
“We are very concerned about the increases but in the same breath we are optimistic because the community is very involved and we are grateful for their co-operation,” Vermaak said. We have an extraordinary community that makes a difference. I believe if you want to be happy, change.” Based on SAPS’s research Tuesdays are the busiest nights for crime. Jed Kemery from the Blairgowrie Community Association (BCA) stressed the importance of dialing number 10111 when a crime takes place as a reference number is created.
Details: Police Sector Vehicles 071 675 6044 or 071 675 6046.
