Cape Town police are appealing to residents to help them combat crime.
Bheki Cele, Minister of Police, recently released crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2021/2022 year.
In the distribution area covered by People’s Post Woodstock/ City edition, there are five stations, namely Maitland, Kensington, Sea Point, Cape Town Central and Woodstock.
Cape Town Central reported an increase in 17 community-reported serious crimes. From October to December last year the station recorded 2 289 crimes compared to 1 790 in 2020. That is a 27,9% increase.
Capt Ezra October, Corporate Communications Officer at the station, says they will intensify all partnerships with security and community police structures to fight crime.
“Cape Town Central Police will be conducting daily crime prevention operations as part of the police Crime Prevention Community Policing Strategy to combat, prevent and investigate crime.”
The station also saw a 12,6% increase in property related crime from 595 cases reported in 2020/2021 to 670 in 2021/2022.
According to October, property related crime includes theft of cell phones and theft out of motor vehicles.
“We can ascribe the increase in property related crime to the partial limited no liquor restrictions and no curfew in place due to the change in Covid-19 DMA regulations.”
He says people can help them decrease property related crime by being vigilant.
“Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible. Make sure your home is secure and become a member of an armed response service. Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers or have them displayed in an accessible area. Don’t leave handbags under the table, on the back of your chair or on restroom hooks. Don’t leave cellphones or wallets on restaurant tables.”
Sea Point Police Station reported an increase in theft out of or from motor vehicles from 146 in 2020/2021 to 198 in 2021/ 2022. This is a 35,6% increase.
Capt Cyril Dicks, Corporate Communications Head, says Sea Point area has seen an increase in people that frequent the beach area due to favourable weather.
He says the station has embarked on regular visibility throughout the area with various operations taking place at various times of day and night.
“We have seen quite a few incidents where the public will sadly stop their car and then open the boot of the vehicle to put in their belongings. This creates an opportunity for criminals to break into the car and take belongings.
“Other instances are where a person will just negligently leave valuables visible inside the car when going into their homes or flats.”
Dicks urges residents and visitors to the area to be vigilant.
“The Sea Point police will continue with our operations and visibility but would request that persons entering the Sea Point area be more vigilant in securing their valuable items and belongings. This is a team effort between police and the public.”
