Illegal dumping is a common and massive problem faced by the City of Joburg with more incidents happening almost daily.
This according to Andre Snyman of eblockwatch, and Bryanston resident, and forms part of this week’s edition of How Secure Are You?, an online and print security feature in partnership with the Sandton Chronicle and eblockwatch, who said that there have been a few incidents the past week where illegal dumpers have been caught red-handed dumping their rubble.
Snyman said this issue relates to the ‘Broken Window Theory’ in criminology which states that visible signs of crime and anti-social disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes.
“This theory relates to illegal dumping which plagues the City. It all starts with one truck that illegally dumps their rubble, then another truck comes and does the same.”
He said that more and more people start dumping on the spot because more and more people are doing the same. “After this, the problem becomes worse with the environment that is being trashed and eventually crime moves into the area.
Snyman added that the theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes help create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious crimes. “Unfortunately crime and slime go together, so if you get rid of slime and grime then you will have no crime.”
He said that eblockwatch is set to catch these illegal dumpers that pollute the suburbs. “We can track and catch them. If you see anyone dumping illegally, take a photo of the offending vehicle and post to the eblockwatch Facebook page.”
Have you caught someone dumping their rubble illegally? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
