Wentworth crime in brief

WENTWORTH police issued a warning to residents in their precinct following a spike in various crimes. Captain Mbuso Gumede said they have noticed an increase in these crime trends. He called for residents to be extra vigilant.

Burglary

Gumede said the crimes are committed in residential places between midnight and early hours in the morning.

“The modus operandi is climbing on the gutters or pipes, forcing doors and gates open and breaking bathroom windows to gain entry. Items like TVs, laptops, cellphones and decoders are mostly stolen,” he said.

Robberies and armed robbery

Cases of robberies reported are of suspects taking advantage of someone walking alone along pathways or passages. Culprits use knives, firearms, and other dangerous items to scare or forcefully take a victim’s property.

“Cellphones, cash in wallets, and other belongings are taken. The police urge the community to be extra vigilant when using cellphones in public spaces. Be careful by looking around before using cellphones to prevent these robberies and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash in bags or wallets unnecessarily,” said Gumede.

E-hailing services

The police receive numerous reports of robberies from drivers who receive requests in the Merewent area.

“Upon executing their duties they are robbed by the passengers who made the ride request. The police also noticed that items are taken from the drivers are cellphones, wallets containing cash, chains and rings,” Gumede said.

He advised that drivers should instead report suspicious requests to the police and on suspicion, if possible, drive to the police station to make a report.

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He added that those involved in the robberies of e-hailing drivers and have already been arrested and prosecuted. While some cases are still pending in courts, others have began serving sentences in prison.

“The police have stepped up patrols in the Merewent area to prevent the drivers’ robberies and other serious crimes where firearms and dangerous weapons are used. Extra police units have been deployed in hotspots areas. Drivers should contact SAPS Wentworth if more assistance is needed. The police do not encourage community vigilantism. Reporting crime is important,” Gumede said.

Theft

Theft in residential areas is also increasing looking at cases reported. Copper pipes, metals and non-ferrous metals are stolen properties.

“Property theft is also escalating. Residents must be vigilant and take extra care of their area and protect. Let’s fight crime together. The community must report crime and be the eyes and ears of SAPS and not to take law into their hands,” Gumede said.

Report crime to CrimeStop on 086 001 0111 or call the Wentworth police station on 031 451 6240/6241/6242.

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