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The increase in petty crime recorded in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal is now even resulting in beggars having to choose safer locations due to being robbed.
Additionally, smash and grabs have gone from once single-digit incidences to now multiple a week, according to the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF), who issued a notice, warning Newcastle residents of six streets which have become prominent areas for the said crimes.
According to the CPF, the following streets in Newcastle are the most problematic:
- Allen Street
- Hardwick Street
- Kirkland Street
- Murchison Street
- Scott Street
- Voortrekker Street
Declaring that smash and grabs have risen to an alarming level, Vice Chairperson of the Newcastle CPF Aasif Cassim, explained, “So far this week, we have received eight reports of smash and grabs, and on average, we receive 30 calls a week regarding the crime,” he highlighted.
These smash and grabs, according to Cassim, notes perpetrators targeting people’s wallets, cellphones and other valuables which can be easily snatched from unsuspecting motorists. Whereby, he further says that the CPF is working on the issue, looking at the Newcastle SAPS to enhance its visibility in town.
“If police increase their visibility, there will be less of this happening in town,” stated Cassim.
Furthermore, Cassim was questioned if the beggars at the various intersections across Newcastle, played a role in the increase in smash and grabs, or were the crimes being committed by opportunistic criminals?
To which Cassim explained, “It is mostly opportunistic criminals, and the beggars are not involved. In fact, they are also being targeted.”
He elaborated, saying that the situation now sees beggars trying to avoid problematic areas during peak hours due to opportunistic criminals robbing them after a day of collecting money.
Listing a substantial challenge faced by the CPF and local law enforcement, Cassim explained that people simply were not reporting cases.
“People need to be vigilant, but they also need to report cases. If you don’t report a case, it makes it difficult for police when they apprehend suspects with suspected stolen property. Even if it is a failed smash and grab attempt, and the suspect did not take anything, you should report it, as this ensures the police know of problematic areas and an idea of who they should be focusing on,” told Cassim.
With this in mind, the CPF encouraged Newcastillians to keep their car windows closed, ensure valuables are hidden and avoid handing out change. It additionally encouraged people to be aware of their surroundings and leave adequate spacing between themselves and the car ahead.
If any Newcastillians are unfortunately impacted by a smash and grab crime, the CPF stated that it was important to try and make a mental note of the suspect’s characteristics. This includes their build, clothing, and any visible markings such as tattoos or earrings.
What are your thoughts on all of this? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 4
It’s pathetic that our town are allowed to have HOT SPOTS WHY is the criminal factor not being removed?
First have police on foot patrolling, second get rid of the beggars at most robots, there is bylaws prohibiting beggars. Uphold this law, law enforcement is doing nothing about these beggars.
Someone should take the law enforces on through the courts for not doing there duties in regard to this issue.
Don’t look forwards to law enforcement doing anything soon as they are not interested in doing there jobs, if they were they would of done something years ago.
Law enforcement management is to blame for this.
The botttom line is that there is no law and order anymore in our country. Police look the other way when a crime is committed because when the matter goes to court the criminals are treated like royalty and the police like the criminals.
This is a very serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately. I’m glad the CPF is working on it and I hope that the police will be able to increase their visibility in the town to help deter these crimes.