The latest provincial crime statistics have shown an increase in crime in the east of Pretoria as police stations in the region showed an upward trend in reported cases.
The Brooklyn police station was among the top 11 stations with high community-reported serious crimes which also featured in the national top 30 police stations.
This was revealed in the provincial crime stats for October to December 2020, presented by Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela on Friday.
A security company working in the east of Pretoria, Complete Security Intelligence SA (CSI) reported seeing a noticeable increase in crime in the area over the past few months.
CSI spokesperson Dana Bloem said popular crimes over the past months ranged from common theft, theft out of a motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicles, house break-ins and armed robberies.
Bloem said these crimes were reported multiple times a week, over the past months.
“Most of Brooklyn precinct areas are affected by criminal activities, especially Waterkloof, Waterkloof Ridge, Monument Park, Newlands and Menlo Park.”
Silverton police station was in the 34th spot among the top 40 police stations with community reported serious crimes with 1 082 cases, a 1.6% increase from 2019.
Silverton station was also among the top 30 police stations with the highest cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Tshwane region also recorded an increase in reported contact crimes which ranged from murder and rape standing at 11 398 cases.
Bull security spokesperson French Jooste said although the state of crime in the east was on the increase it was not out of hand.
“Our biggest challenge the past two weeks has been motor vehicle theft and robberies, whereby a person will stop at an office park or doctor consulting rooms. The suspects will approach the individual and rob them of cellphones, iPads, jewellery and anything valuable,” he said.
In some of these cases, Jooste said the suspects would take the vehicle as well.
He said although the level of violence of these crimes differed, there were a few incidents where the criminals were armed and dangerous.
“If you don’t co-operate with these criminals they will go to the extreme,” he said.
He said housebreaking was now happening during the day when people were at work.
“There is also a very big spike in vehicle jamming incidents happening in the shopping mall parking areas around Pretoria east. ”
He cautioned people to make sure all the doors were locked when exiting the vehicle.
“Feel every door if you notice that you are struggling to lock your vehicle, inform security immediately and never leave valuables inside your vehicle as this is an open invitation to criminals.”
Jooste said there was also a spike in robberies at ATMs.
“I want to encourage the community not to draw big amounts of cash at the ATM. It is even better to go without cash and only use your bank card. If you need to draw big amounts of money for whatever reason, go to your bank and do your transaction inside the bank.”
Brinant security company’s Erick Becker said house robberies by far and vehicle theft occurred almost daily.
“We experience at least three house robberies per day in our operational footprint. These are popular in the east of Pretoria, including but not limited to Moreleta Park, Faerie Glen and Garsfontein.”
The crime was not on the rife without safety responses to this, security companies and police reported to have had several successful arrests in the last two to three months.
According to the police, about 5 831 suspects were arrested during police crime prevention operations in the province.
Increased active patrols, working closely with communities, CPF, local law enforcement and other security companies have been some of the responses the security companies also embarked on during this time.
Security companies gave a few tips:
– Check your surroundings when pulling into the driveway. Check for any suspicious vehicles and movements in your street.
– Get to know your neighbours, and if possible join your street WhatsApp group, this way all residents can report suspicious activities. It is important to stay informed.
If a robbery does take place, stay calm, and do the following:
– Co-operate with the robber. Don’t resist, and don’t do anything that would put your life in danger.
– Avoid surprises. Robbers are generally nervous, so anything quick or surprising movement could put you and others in harm’s way.
– Be observant. Take note of the number of robbers involved as well as their physical characteristics (e.g. height, eye and hair colour, hair length, etc.). Also, take note of what they’re wearing and any weapons used.
– Preserve the evidence. Keep clear of the crime scene and avoid touching anything the robber(s) may have touched.
– Avoid confrontation at all times.
– See a counsellor within 48 hours after the incident.
– Avoid flashing expensive accessories when out in public as this increases the likelihood of becoming a victim.
– Where possible change your routine and differ your patterns and travel routes. Predictability works in the criminal’s favour.
– Always open a case with SAPS if you have been the victim of a crime, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Many crimes go unreported due to the inconvenience involved. This assists with crime statistics and linking cases to suspects.
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