Crime in Weltevreden Park has left many people feeling worried about the increase in house break-ins and theft out of motor vehicles.
Honeydew CPF Sector 2 chairperson, John Baisley said in an October newsletter that robberies with aggravating circumstances, assaults, hijacking, residential robberies and theft out of and from motor vehicles are problematic in the Sector 2 area.
It has been mentioned in numerous CPF meetings that the problem is that most of the Honeydew police patrol vehicles are needed in Cosmo City, therefore, there are fewer patrols in the Weltevreden Park area.
What is, however, positive is that many security companies in the area have joined hands in a security initiative where they all belong to a crime WhatsApp group and can respond much faster.
Honeydew CPF Sector 2 public relations officer, Jon Rosenberg said that theft out of and from motor vehicles still remain a massive problem in the area. He said that despite all the warnings, people tend to still be careless.
Rosenberg urged residents to please be vigilant and not leave any valuable items in the car where they can be seen. Rather lock them in the boot and make sure that your car is locked.
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“We can curb so many crimes if residents will just take extra care,” said Rosenberg. He also mentioned that people tend to walk with earphones on and with their phones out. This is an obvious advertisement that you have an expensive device on you, making you a target.
Rosenberg said that as part of the high visibility operations, they go on patrols some nights. “We have had cases where people leave their gates open late at night. When we hoot to make them aware, then they get angry.”
He further explained that many crimes are not planned, but rather opportunistic crimes, where criminals walk around to see where they can find a gap.
He advised people returning home to just drive away if something feels strange to them. “These are some little things to think about that can make the world of difference.”
Rosenberg concluded that as the festive season approaches, people should park their motor vehicles behind a gate or hire a security guard when having Christmas parties.
Details: Honeydew police 011 801 8400.
