Empangeni in grip of crime fatigue
Empangeni residents say criminals are not deterred by alarms and high walls anymore
FOLLOWING a spate of house robberies over the past two months, Empangeni residents say criminals are becoming more brazen.
In a recent incident at Aurora Crescent, suspects were caught on CCTV camera breaking into a car and then waving at the owner after he spotted them.
Petty thefts, muggings, bike thefts and robberies in both residential and business areas are common.
‘I don’t feel safe in Empangeni. Each street should have the same security company doing duty so that there are a patrol car on each road every day,’ said one resident.
Another issue working in the favour of criminals is the ongoing power outages.
‘Load-shedding encourages thieves because they know no one can catch them. How do they expect us to protect ourselves in the dark?’ said Empangeni resident Khaya Ngubo.
Residents said criminals were no longer deterred by alarm systems and boundary walls and have little fear of apprehension.
According to Crime Stats SA, Empangeni is sixth on the ten worst precincts list, with 7 840 crimes committed last year.
Apart from local Community Policing Forums (CPFs), residents are also turning to social media to alert others of crime activities.
One such Facebook page is the ‘Empangeni Reporting Criminal Activity’.
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