Crime is on the rise within Hutten Heights, Aviary Hill, Signal Hill, Pioneer Park, Schuinshoogte, Sunnyridge and Amiel Park. This is according to the Newcastle Community Policing Forum’s (CPF) Sector 4 and 5 leader, Jan van Rensburg.
According to the Newcastle CPF sector 4 stats, from 1 February 2024 to 25 February 2024, a total of 79 incidents occurred in the above mentioned suburbs, ranging from housebreaking, theft, assaults, dog poisonings and gunshots being fired in residential areas.
The increase in crime has led to a crucial question: what is the root cause behind this sudden surge in crime? Van Rensburg shared insights, stating that the CPF is diligently working to address the issue but faces challenges in garnering community support.
“While Sector 4 and 5 are the most active parts of the CPF, we are struggling to get community support and have residents join in on the patrols,” he explained.
Moreover, the CPF in Sectors 4 and 5 currently conducts patrols four to five times a week, yet not all have been successful. Van Rensburg highlighted a recent incident where a patrol had to be called off due to the insufficient participation of only three individuals. Additionally, he elaborated that when it came to community support, pensioners made up the bulk of volunteer support.
“Younger people don’t show up and show no interest. It is almost as if people are in groove and have accepted crime as the norm,” stated van Rensburg.
Drawing a comparison between Newcastle, Madadeni and Osizweni, van Rensburg noted a significant difference. “Madadeni and Osizweni has less crime than Newcastle at the moment. But it is because the public in Madadeni and Osizweni got tired of crime and actively made the decision to patrol their community, often walking the streets to monitor the situation,” emphasised van Rensburg.
Van Rensburg delved into the issue of housebreaking, a prevalent concern in Sectors 4 and 5. “Housebreakings are taking place during daylight hours and in the night when there is loadshedding. Burglars are also checking when residents are away and then targeting the homes, and it has been noted that the majority of the affected homes do not have security. Security company boards actually act as a deterrent for burglars,” he explained, adding that an increase in the unemployment rate was a contributing factor to the rise in this crime.
While burglaries and thefts are opportunistic crimes with a certain degree of planning, van Rensburg noted that security companies could not place guards at random areas in suburbs to monitor safety, which was why it was instrumental for residents to get involved with the CPF. “If the community comes together in mass numbers, we can push the criminal element out of our community,” he stressed.
In response to the escalating crime rates, van Rensburg urged residents to join the CPF and participate in patrols. Those interested can contact him directly at 076 279 3422. The challenge now lies in the hands of the community to unite, take action, and reclaim the safety of their neighbourhoods.
What are your thoughts on the on of this? Share your views in the comment section below.
The young people must stop complaining and get involved with COF its the only way this crime will sease
Well we backed off from the community patrols because the pakis are involved and think they own the cpf in sector 4 and 5 they are the crime masterminds and ringleaders in that area
This is a top comment 😂😂
Drug addicts steal to feed their habit. Its out of control. They don’t care avout rules and consequences. Only a matter of time before someone is murdered. Too many drug dealers and addicts in Newcastle, Madadeni and Osizweni
The pakis are leading this . They buy the stolen goods and sell the drugs in the area. Using the cellphone shops as a disguise for their illegal activities.