East police intensify crime fighting ahead of weekend
“High police visibility and more crime prevention operations are in place for the weekend.”
SAPS Brooklyn kicked off the weekend with intensified crime-fighting measures in a joint clean-up operation.
During the early hours of Friday, police officers, members of the Brooklyn CPF, Fidelity ADT security, Axon Security and CSI joined forces in an effort to rid the streets of crime and to ensure a safer weekend for all.
Police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said an open field next to the N1 and Dely Road was the main focus of the operation.
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“During December and January burglaries in the vicinity of the open field showed an increase. Vagrants were sleeping in the field and it was suspected that criminals were hiding amongst them.
“After sweeping the field the operation moved to a vacant house in Melk Street in Nieuw Muckleneuk which has also been invaded by homeless people.”
Weilbach said during previous operations, suspects were arrested for drug-related offences at the house.
“About 15 people were found sleeping inside the house.”
She said although drug paraphernalia was all over the house, no drugs could be found.
“Nine arrests were made during the operation for pedestrian source of danger.”
Brooklyn SAPS station commander Brigadier Kushie Nair thanked everyone who assisted in the operation.
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“High police visibility and more crime prevention operations are in place for the weekend ahead to keep criminals at bay and to create safer communities.”
She urged community members to remain vigilant over the weekend. Shoppers and restaurant goers are requested to be aware of their surroundings.
“Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, mobile phones and other valuables.
“Be aware that criminals are targeting cellphone users in public places such as restaurants, fast food outlets and on pavements.”
Weilbach said vehicle-related crimes were still too high and reminded motorists to remove all valuables from parked vehicles.
“Where possible motorists must park inside yards and not on pavements.”
Furthermore, schools must, where possible, enhance security measures during sports events to prevent vehicle-related crimes.
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