Sector 3 crime highlighted at meeting

Crime in Sector 3 was the talking point at the latest monthly general meeting at the Strubens Valley public library last week.

According to Honeydew police station Captain Andre Lamprecht, 126 crime cases were reported in the area in June.

“Peak times are between 4pm and 8pm. Thursdays to Saturdays are the most problematic days of the month. The order of areas most affected by crime is: Wilgeheuwel, Ruimsig, Strubens Valley, and Radiokop,” he said.

Many crimes are alcohol related, and a great number are residential robberies.

Sector 3 chairman Daniel Smith pointed out an incident where a man and his wife and their domestic worker were tied up in Wilgeheuwel.

“The incident occurred at 7am and the robbery started when the man was reversing out of his driveway. Valuables such as jewellery, the TV, and even the electric kettle were stolen. Please be on the lookout for a silver Hyundai SUV,” Smith urged.

Captain Lamprecht said criminals’ vehicles normally fit in with the “profile” of a particular suburb, which makes the police’s task more difficult as anybody could be a suspect.

Honeydew police’s Brigadier Wayne Sirkhot also attended the meeting, and said that he “hated” it when nothing was achieved after a meeting. He added, “If I cannot do something for the community I am not succeeding. I am here to serve the community.”

Sirkhot said he did not want to scare communities, but 18 house-breakings for Wilgeheuwel is “too much”. He added that there were many drug operation successes, but drugs in the area is a huge issue.

He also urged people to be aware of possible crimes. “In the last two weeks all cases of house robbery did not have a case of forced entry,” he said.

“If you see a suspicious person twice, phone the police. Get the registration of the suspicious car parked outside your home. We are here first to prevent, then to investigate,” he concluded.

The next Sector 3 general monthly meeting will be held at the library in Fredenharry Street, Strubensvalley on 14 August.