Concern over drug-related crime

ST Michael’s remains a crime hot spot, according to the Uvongo Community Safety Forum.

At the forum’s recent general meeting, chairman Ernest Booysen said vacant lots and empty houses were providing havens for vagrants.

He said much of the crime in the area appeared to be drug-related, with vagrants stealing to support a habit. He called on the SAPS to pay this type of crime more attention.

There was also some concern about unofficial ‘car guards‘ scoping out the area and about suspects not being kept in custody after they had been apprehended and handed over to the police.

Some people at the meeting said there should have been better control and more of a police presence during the Ugu Jazz Festival.

Block Watch members gave the meeting feedback on how the new radio aerials were proving helpful during patrols. Rechargeable torches would soon be provided as six were in the process of being purchased. Block Watch was concerned about the number of gates that were being left open.

Netcare Margate Hospital management had expressed concern about its staff being robbed and harassed after they went off duty. The meeting decided to issue staff members with whistles to use in emergencies.

The SAPS had informed the forum that it could not help with Admiralty Reserve clearance of vagrants during the weekend. A weekday date for this would be arranged. Residents had reported seeing vagrants coming out of the bushes early in the mornings.

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