Reaction officer at Lazer 911 Security, Alwyn Smit, was conducting security patrols last Wednesday when he spotted a suspicious-looking man walking along Dairy Road, Marburg, at about 02:00.
When questioned, the man told Alwyn that he was selling bananas. Similar incidents are a daily occurrence in Marburg and surrounding areas, and now residents are fed up.
Residents and business owners have noticed a spike in crime recently, especially housebreakings, robberies, cable and copper theft.
They are now demanding action from authorities, especially the police and law enforcement.
A Marburg resident said several houses were targeted in one street within three days. “Criminals are operating day and night and are brazen. Crime spiked after the paras were chased from the Port Shepstone CBD and came into Marburg. The paras are constantly watching our homes,” she said.
Deon Naidoo, also a resident, said cable theft is rife in Lions Grove and Marburg. “The cable theft affects a large area, sometimes leaving residents without electricity for hours and days. We desperately need help and an end to crime. Are the police losing the war on crime? ” asked Deon.
A house was also burgled in Deepvale Road on Tuesday last week. The criminals bent the burglar bars, entered and took various items.
Police clamping down
The acting station commander at Port Shepstone Saps, Colonel Zenzele Khumalo, said residents have been advised at crime awareness and CPF meetings to change copper pipes to plastic or to paint them white to reduce the theft of copper pipes and damage to properties.
“Arrests have been made with the assistance of scrap metal dealers who contact Saps when persons are found with infrastructure or copper pipes,” added Khumalo.
The community is urged to contact the police on 039 6881000 or 039 682 9222 (control room) if they are aware of the sale of such pipes and stolen infrastructure or where vagrants hide out.
She added that sector commanders in all areas have been tasked to engage on a greater level with their communities as the first line of communication.
“Police in plain clothes are doing patrols and stop and searches. Visible policing by Saps has been stepped up, and other law enforcement agencies are also contributing to policing strategies. Fingerprint analysis at scenes of housebreakings will assist greatly to identify possible suspects targeting these areas,” said Khumalo.
Safety hints
* Ensure your property is well-lit at night and securely locked. Fence your property and get a dog, if possible, to alert you of intruders.
* Install a home security system if you can. Try to make it as difficult as possible for persons to enter your property and home.
* Avoid leaving scrap metal such as old washing machines, fridges and car parts lying around on your property, which could entice unsavoury characters in search of scrap metal.
* Be aware of persons selling vegetables or looking for employment in your neighbourhood, as criminals often scout out homes before breaking in.
* Alert your neighbours when you plan on being away for a long period.
* It is a good idea for neighbours to do patrols in their respective streets to make people aware that they are watching and alert to unknown persons walking around the neighbourhood.
* Ensure your helper is alert and security-conscious when she is in your home.
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