DESPITE the arrest of Empangeni’s alleged house robbery kingpin, and a drop in house break-ins, there has now been an increase in theft out of cars according to Empangeni SAPS crime stats revealed at Tuesdays’ Community Policing Forum meeting (CPF).
Emphasis was placed on the vital need and effectiveness of formulating street committees following a presentation by resident Derick Moor who has been heading an effective crime-busting committee within his street.
‘There is power, safety and effectiveness in social media. The residents of our street have formulated a group on the chat application, ‘Whatsapp’, where we alert and inform each other of any suspicious activity or doubtful looking people,’ said Moor.
‘We don’t use force or violence, the manner in which we fight crime is within the law and we have arranged with various security companies working in our street to patrol the area at different times to use our resources optimally,’ he added.
‘If we can start with saying, ‘not in my street’, subsequently we’ll be saying, ‘not in my town’, said CPF chairperson Zilindile Masango.
According to Empangeni SAPS Warrant Officer Thulani Mthiyane, the Community Safety and Liaison Department, in collaboration with City Councillors, intend to initiate a project informing community members of the necessity of street committees.
‘The Community Safety and Liaison Department is also addressing the issue of bringing back the bicycle patrol system,’ said Mthiyane.
Based on statistics of the crimes reported last month in comparison to those of February 2013, there has been a significant decrease in house break-ins, though, there are still reported cases in the areas of Grantham Park, Nyala Park and Empangeni central.
There has been a visible increase in the theft out of motor vehicles, however, there were no reported cases of car hijackings last month.
‘Areas with street committees have had a decrease in crime, therefore, proving the importance of initiating these committees, but overall, there has been a visible decrease in crime,’ added Mthiyane.
The next CPF meeting will be on 15 April at the Empangeni Council Chamber where the municipality will give a presentation.
