BRIGHTON Beach police continue to notice that firearms are the preferred weapon to impose fear upon unsuspected victims in business and armed robberies.
According to the station’s communications officer, Captain Louise le Roux, sporadic incidents of car-jacking and house robberies are also occurring in the areas of Clairwood and the Bluff.
In response, they held a contact crime public awareness campaign which had the desired outcomes of empowering residents and visitors in their policing precinct.
The objective was to alert the public on how to minimise the risk of falling prey to incidents of gun violence.
“A total of 1 200 educational brochures on home invasion, carjacking, armed robbery and gun violence were distributed at the Hill Side Mall, Bluff.”
“Gun violence prevention was the focus area of the daily deployment. We found that firearms are obtained illegally during incidents of crimes and then are used in the commission of other offences.”
“It is therefore imperative that licensed gun owners take the necessary precautions to safeguard their firearms when not under their immediate control. Firearms go into circulation when a legal firearm owner also fails to safeguard their firearms as prescribed by the Firearms Control Act, 2000,” she said.
The captain also provided tips for consideration for legal firearm owners:
– Do not leave your gun in a briefcase, inside a cupboard, under the mattress or pillow, or in your handbag.
– It is imperative that the loss, robbery, or theft of a firearm be reported immediately to your nearest police station for circulation purposes.
– Another contributing factor is when the privacy of community members who are legal gun owners is invaded. This could be that they are robbed of their firearm during a house or business robbery, carjacking, or an aggravated robbery incident. Take the necessary precautions to ensure that your home has the necessary safety features and that they are implemented to minimise the risk of falling prey to gun violence at home through a house robbery.
– Always be vigilant when travelling and visiting public places when your firearm is in your possession to minimise the risk of falling prey to a carjacking or aggravated robbery.
“Residents are encouraged, through this campaign, to report those who are illegally in possession of a firearm/s and the distributing of such firearm/s or fail to safeguard their firearms as stipulated by the Fire Arms Control Act 2000.”
“Make a report anonymously to www.crimeline.co.za, send an SMS to the hotline 32211 or call CrimeStop on 086-001-0111. The cycle of gun violence prevention begins with you,” Le Roux added.
She expressed her gratitude towards the management and tenants of the Hill Side Mall, for affording the Saps a platform to host this awareness initiative.
“Retired Reservist Captain Avril Fabre, a civilian in society is also acknowledged for her operational support on the day in conducting the foot beat operation in partnership,” she said.
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