Observatory residents are calling for increased police visibility following a spike in car break-ins and crime in the area in recent weeks.
Residents took to Facebook to voice their frustration and concerns.
In a Facebook post one of residents claims her husband’s laptop was stolen from the car.
“My husband went into the coffee shop Mango Ginger just to get something. He was in there for less than five minutes and when he got out his laptop had been stolen out of the car. This during broad daylight. It’s not safe to park out at all,” read the post.
Speaking to People’s Post resident André Lammers says he became a victim shortly after they moved into the area.
“No windows were broken. They obviously jammed the door and ransacked the car. We didn’t leave anything on the seat, but there were things in the cubbyhole. Our neighbour’s car also got smashed in recently. There are never any broken windows, I think the thieves jam the cars.”
Lammers explains that last year his home was broken into while he was in the house. He calls for more policing to safeguard the streets.
“On-street parking is a big issue. In our street there has been a lot of crime. I want to be able to walk in the street. I want to be able to walk my dog at night or in the morning. I am a jogger and I have not been able to run in the area for the last six to eight months. I am too afraid to go out.”
Lammers says while he loves the community and its rich history, he is considering moving from the area because he no longer feels safe.
Another resident Chantal Jacobs says since she moved to Observatory two months ago her vehicle was broken into twice.
“I’m very new to the area. Since we relocated our vehicles have been broken into twice. I’m so distraught as we just cannot afford any further financial knocks; it is killing us as a family.”
She says the driver-side window of her Toyota Tazz was smashed on Thursday 7 April.
Gary Adams, chair of U-Watch and Public Relations Officer for the Community Policing Forum for the Woodstock precinct, confirms that a spike in vehicle break-ins has been recorded.
“There’s been break-ins in Observatory. Crime has spiked in that area. What we find is that people don’t lock their car doors, especially bakkie canopies. People also leave things on seats; we believe a lot of crime can be avoided. Anything that would attract a would-be thief must be removed from a car.”
He says the area is targeted by car jammers and warns residents to be vigilant in the precinct around Spar in Main Road which he says is a hot spot for car jamming.
Adams urges people to join safety structures in their area to help combat crime.
“Policing has changed in our hood recently. No longer is it only up to police to police our hoods, but also the security structures like neighbourhood watches and community police forums. We invite the community to get involved and take ownership of their areas.”
Observatory Improvement District (Obsid) said in a statement it recorded a crime spike in February.
“Our biggest challenge in the community relates to the high number of proactive actions we’re needing to take to keep the community safe. A proactive action is when the Obsid public safety team has to stop patrols to notify people of possible safety risks such as visible valuables left in cars or open gates at properties,” reads the statement.
From Tuesday 5 April to 12 April Obsid recorded 10 crime related incidents. These included armed muggings, fatal assault and theft out of motor vehicles.
Col Delven Matroos, Woodstock Police Station Commander, says according to their statistics there has been a decrease in theft out of motor vehicles but says it is a concern in the area. He advises motorists to remove all visible items from their cars, close all windows and ensure that their alarms are activated before walking away.
Obsid calls on residents to report any suspicious activity to their control room at 021 447 1066.
