Crime awareness to curb the scourge of driveway robberies
NEW BRIGHTON – Police from two different police stations held a joint crime awareness campaign in an effort to curb the scourge of driveway robberies.
Driveway robberies and smash and grab incidents have been a widespread problem at Randburg and Sandton police precincts.
Police from both stations together with members of the resident’s associations conducted a joint crime awareness campaign for about three hours at the Pick n Pay centre on the corner of Republic Road and William Nicol Drive.
An awareness campaign was done on 16 April in an effort to help residents be more vigilant about criminals who follow residents from shopping centres.
“We are handing out pamphlets to residents as this will help them be more vigilant and always on the lookout for suspicious vehicles following them from shopping centres,” said Randburg Police spokesperson Constable Stanley Bopape.
“Criminals usually take jewellery from their victims and this has been a problem from these two police stations,” explained Bopape.
A resident of Hurlingham Manor, Angie Buirski, explained that driveway robberies have always been a problem at their suburb. She said that the area did not have a boom gate and most motorists used it as their shortcuts while avoiding traffic congestion on the main roads.
“Hence, it is very difficult to spot a suspicious vehicle. We do receive few notifications about strange and suspicious people in our area through our WhatsApp groups,” she said.
She commended the awareness and believed that it will help residents to always be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles. “Traffic lights and shopping centres are the hotspots. If people are aware of these incidents all the time it will be better,” she continued.
However, Buirski was worried about elderly residents and insist they should be made more aware of the security risks.
Chris Thomas from Bordeaux South Resident’s Association (BSRA) explained that these incidents were spiralling out of control and residents should be cautious.
“We advise them to call their security companies or local police sector vehicles immediately when they suspect that they are being followed,” he said.
He concluded that criminals target their victims while in their most vulnerable and compromising situations, especially at their driveways.
Details: Randburg Police, 011 449 9000.
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