Metro Police strive to create more police visibility in Sector 3

At a recent Sector 3 meeting, residents were shocked when a crime report revealed that this sector has a high occurrence of residential burglaries.

According to Sector 3 chairperson Daniel Smith, security was a very serious subject at the meeting which was attended for the first time by Sergeant Jan Steenkamp, Metro Police Ward Commander for the area.

At the meeting Police Commander Brigadier Wayne Sirkhot’s report revealed that April was the worst month in terms of crime for the area.

“The other problems that are experienced by residents are the high number of theft out of motor vehicles, especially at gyms, and the fact that jamming devices are still being used,” Smith added.

“One of the resolutions to the problem was to make visible policing a priority. This is done by special operations which take place at least once a month.”

He also said the moratorium has been lifted and SAPS will start recruiting members during September or October and training will commence the following year.

“My biggest gripe is the domestic workers’ training session that had to be cancelled again as we didn’t have enough workers present to attend the training. This embarrassed me because four police members were present to help with the training and they had to leave after 45 minutes in the hope that workers would turn up.”

Ward 97 councillor Jaco Engelbrecht was also present at the meeting and said the biggest problem that residents are facing is the illegal dumping on Pierre Road.

He said, “We need the public to help us out to catch these perpetrators by writing down the culprits’ vehicle registration numbers.”

Engelbrecht further informed that Sector 3 has been allowed a budget to improve street lighting in the sector. “This should help to prevent and fight crime in the area.”

Smith said the next meeting is scheduled to take place on 9 July at the Struben’s Valley Library and it will start at 6.30pm.

“We need more residents to attend these meetings, so please write it down in your diaries and attend the CPF Sector 3 meetings,” he urged.

Details: CPF Sector 3 chairperson Daniel Smith 072 248 7898.