Theft out of motor vehicle is rife in Linden
Despite a minimum budget of R45 million spent by households on private security companies annually in the 29 suburbs of Linden Police precinct, communities are still plagued by repetitive crimes. Crimes such as housebreakings, robberies, car thefts, car jammings and theft out of motor vehicles predominantly occur in these suburbs. Linden Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson …
Despite a minimum budget of R45 million spent by households on private security companies annually in the 29 suburbs of Linden Police precinct, communities are still plagued by repetitive crimes.
Crimes such as housebreakings, robberies, car thefts, car jammings and theft out of motor vehicles predominantly occur in these suburbs.
Linden Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Lara Bath said in the August monthly update report that theft out of motor vehicle was mainly caused by motorists leaving items where they could be seen.
“Preventable crime uses valuable police time that can be used to do more crime analysis and accurate patrols,” explained Bath.
She further indicated that in an analysis in the last 20 weeks, it became clear that 66 per cent of the incidents were preventable crimes. Although all crimes should be reported, the CPF insisted that awareness campaigns to each household in the area would create change.
“Unlocking 248 police hours in the precinct would mean two hours more patrol time per day per Sector. When the SAPS vehicles stand down on scenes and cannot patrol a hotspot such as the Randburg Sports [Complex], where the most cars are stolen, the criminals win,” she said.
She further indicated that preventable crimes mainly occur in lost police hours and each sector had its hotspots for different crimes. The CPF was analysing the hotspots by streets to ensure better understanding and a preventative plan.
The CPF would focus on four areas for the next months, which include police scorecards, public awareness and engagement, fundraising, and a repeat-offender database.
With the 12-point score card, residents, sector representatives, security companies, and CPF executives can score police, using the online form that would be available on the website. This would help the police deliver a more transparent and accurate service.
Details: Linden CPF chairperson Lara Bath 083 324 6336.
Related stories:
Linden CPF elects new executive
Linden SAPS acknowledged for outstanding service
Crime soars in Linden Precinct
