Florida police to strengthen bond with public
"We cannot fight crime without the community," says Station Commander.
Florida Police believe that in the long run the only solution to a crime-free area is by continuing to work closely with the public.
Despite the increase in certain crimes such as house robberies, business robberies and smash-and-grabs, the Florida SAPS Station Commander, Colonel Cassie Rautenbach encourages the community to continue working with the police on a daily basis and build on the relationship because in his own words, “We cannot fight crime without the community”.
Rautenbach gives the community an update of the latest crimes in the area.
He says that business robbery; housebreaking and theft out of a motor vehicle increased compared to this time last year while drugs remain the biggest issue.
“Despite all our efforts and hard work drugs in the area remains very popular. It seems there is a high demand for it and is most popular among pupils and students.
“Last year, the Florida Police made approximately 700 drug-related arrests, with most of the persons arrested between the ages of 16 and 30. Although we and the community still face this tough challenge, we can overcome it together.”
Rautenbach also identified – and will do so on a regular basis – hotspot areas that the public should take note of:
• Florida (Goldman Street – all vehicle-related offences)
• Florida Extension (1st Avenue )
• Florida Park (Ontdekkers Road)
• Discovery (Ontdekkers Road)
• Constantia Kloof (14th Avenue – smash-and-grab and common robbery)
“Most of these cases occur late at night or early mornings. Offences on average are committed by two to three persons with at least one of them armed with a firearm. Most suspects are violent towards there victims,” Rautenbach adds.
Rautenbach kindy requests that, “The details of all incidents where fingerprints at scenes were not taken within 24 hours after the crime had been reported must be forwarded to the Florida SAPS offices so that it could be followed up.
“As soon as anything suspicious is noted please contact the sector managers/ sector vehicles (see details below). If any problem is experienced with the sector vehicles/ phones please forward the details to me (Station Commander) as well as to Lt-Col Marite.”
Details of the sector as well as contact numbers of the sector managers:
• Sector 1 (north of Ontdekkers Road) with sector manager being WO Van der Berg on 071 675 4455
Additional cellphone numbers are 071 675 7148 and 071 675 7149.
Areas covered by Sector 1: Constantia Kloof, Florida North, Florida Hills, Floracliffe, Quellerina, Florida Glen, Bergbron, Whiteridge, Northcliff Ext 19/25, Kloofendal and Delarey.
• Sector 2 (south of the railway line to Ontdekkers Road) with WO Mathopo as Sector Manager on 071 675 3777
Additional cellphone numbers are 071 675 7142, 071 675 7143, 071 675 7145 and 071 675 7146.
Areas covered by Sector 2: Rand Leases, Fleurhof new development, Lea Glen, Robertville, Florida Lake, Hamberg, Wibsey Dip (Highgate), Stormill, Maraisburg, Florida CBD, Florida, Florida Ext, Florida Park, Ontdekkers Park, Selwyn and Discovery.
“Should the vehicles not answer please call the Florida SAPS on 011 831 7020/40 or the SAPS emergency centre on 10111. Any information/ complaint can be forwarded to me at RautenbachC@saps.gov.za.”
