Curbing crime in Sector 3
STRUBENS VALLEY - Residents and police tackle crime issues.
Residents have promised to assist police in curbing crime in their area.
Honeydew police held their first community meeting of the year with Sector 3 residents in Strubens Valley on 29 January. Spokesperson for the station Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said they are still to hold meetings of this sort with other sectors they cover.
As usual, crime was the main topic, and residents vowed to assist the police in curbing crime. “Any suspicious activity we see in our area must be reported to the police so they can follow up and act on it immediately,” said Daniel Smith, chairperson for the sector’s community policing forum.
He added that they would look into the possibility of implementing neighbourhood watch patrols.
Among several other issues, theft out of motor vehicles was discussed, as well as the problem of car jamming – a familiar feature at various shopping centres in the area.
Residents raised concerns about the station’s response time and follow-up.
One resident said he had been robbed at gunpoint twice, and was yet to receive feedback. “I don’t know if they’ve had a breakthrough with arresting the suspects, or any other developments surrounding the case.”
Some residents used the opportunity to praise the police. “The response time has really improved, sector vehicles always arrive quickly when called to attend crime scenes.” Another resident applauded the police on their exceptional work when last year, she and her daughter were robbed at gunpoint. “It was hailing but they ran through the hail to try and catch the suspects,” she related.
Councillor for Ward 97 Jaco Engelbrecht said he was pleased by the huge turnout of residents, and emphasised the importance of reporting incidents of crime to the police, no matter how small.
Resident Rose Pollard said they, as residents, could help uplift and sustain their suburb by not creating a market for illegal activities. “If we don’t purchase things from hawkers or give to beggars, they will eventually leave the area and that will help in making our suburbs safe.”
Details: Honeydew Police Station 011 801 8604.
