SAPS Buitenkant’s new station commander, Brigadier van Niekerk, attended the recent Community Policing Forum on 7 March. She spoke about several issues that she is focusing on while she is stationed in Cape Town. For instance: working closely with neighbourhood watches towards community safety, cleaning up crime-enabling businesses that purchase scrap, and addressing the under-utilisation of CCTV cameras. We hope that Brig. van Niekerk will continue as station commander beyond March.
SAPS’s reports of the crime statistics remain much the same: grabbing of cellphones and gold chains continue to be an issue, especially when drivers are stopped at traffic lights or pedestrians are unaware of their surroundings.
Vredehoek is third-highest for “Theft out of Motor Vehicle (TOOMV)” incidents – these incidents take place mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 18h00 to 21h00. Suspects are commonly noted to break windows or use remote jamming devices to gain entry to motor vehicles. SAPS have had many laptops reportedly taken from these motor vehicles. DPVwatch urges residents please to remove any and all important items from your motor vehicle when you arrive at your destination.
Vredehoek experienced the most house break-ins last month out of all of other suburbs, though no specific street was targeted. These incidents seem to be opportunistic crimes, as they commonly took place on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Occupied as well as vacant houses are targeted, and residents should therefore be vigilant in securing their residences at night.
