Concerns are mounting in Newcastle following a notable increase in burglaries and house breakings within the community. However, the question remains: what are the Newcastle SAPS currently doing about the situation?
Acknowledging the surge in housebreakings across Newcastle’s residential areas, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam explained that law enforcement was taking the matter seriously.
“Not only are the Newcastle Police doing more patrols, but the police also have Newcastle Community policing structures and security companies on board. Also, the Newcastle Police Stabilisation Unit is working on the matter.”
Additionally, Arumugam emphasised that the local police station has an action plan and other initiatives in place to tackle the rising trend of criminal activity. However, she pointed out that she could not divulge what the action plan entailed, as to ensure suspects were caught unawares.
Amidst the concerns around the spike in housebreakings, suspicions have risen about a potential syndicate targeting Newcastle residents. This follows sightings of a silver/grey Mercedes-Benz at crime scenes.
As reported by Newcastillian News on 5 March 2024, the vehicle was connected to three recent burglaries in town, namely on Erica Drive, Houtkapper Avenue and Ring Avenue. The incident in Erica Drive saw the occupants of the vehicle escape the scene with firearms.
At the time, Newcastle CPF Chairperson for Sector four and five, Jan van Rensburg explained that the men were not opportunistic criminals, but rather men who acted with the precision of professionals. He further highlighted that the car was recently flagged on camera and seen driving from Durban to Newcastle.
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Discussing the vehicle, Arumugam confirmed that information was received from residents in the area about the vehicle patrolling the affected area.
Adding fuel to the fire about the occupants of the car’s motives and their potential role in the recent crimes, Arumugam explained that the car used a fake registration number.
“SAPS Detectives are working on this information, as it is believed that this vehicle is possibly from the Durban area,” said Arumugam, who added that if anybody saw any suspicious vehicles in their area, it was essential to call the SAPS or populate messages and post photos on the CPF’s WhatsApp groups.
With Arumugam noting that the police were addressing the rise in burglaries, she urged residents to get more involved in community-based patrols with the CPF in their respective suburbs, while ensuring they took precautionary steps to protect their homes.
Despite the growing trend in crime, Arumugam said, “In our ongoing endeavours to eradicate the scourges of crime in our communities, the Newcastle SAPS in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, social partners and security companies have since 1 February 2024 until 29 February 2024, arrested 299 persons for crimes ranging from attempted murder to robbery.”
She further listed the various crimes committed by the 299 people:
- Attempted Murder
- Burglary Business
- Housebreaking Business
- Housebreaking Residential
- Theft of motor vehicle
- Assault Common
- Sexual Assault
- Contravention of Protection Order
- Theft
- Fraud
- Possession of Unlicensed Firearm
- Robbery
- Common Robbery
- Robbery with a Weapon
- Possession of suspected stolen property
- Shoplifting
- Property
- Drunk Driving
- Possession of drugs
- Kidnapping
- Pointing of Firearms
- Extortion and Intimidation
Reflecting on this, Arumugam explained that the Station Commander of Newcastle SAPS, Brigadier Vassie Naidoo, encouraged the community to continue working in partnership with the local SAPS and urged the community to provide any information concerning any illegal activities in our policing precinct.
What are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
The community forum is of no use because if we voice out our opinions they remove us from the group. How are we supposed to help each other as the community if such happens?
The influx of pakis nigerians and somalians in the effected areas are the main reasons crime rise . They initiate these crimes to lower property values so they can buy cheap with their illegal money. CPF is of no use as the pakis are watching these groups and communicating with cpf members then passing on the info!!!
very true Riaan these ilegals need to be controlled My daughter repaired her phone at a shop in huttenheights. 2 weeks later the shop owner started stalking and forcing her to be in a relationship with him after he stole her number from her phone . He even threathened to publish her photos on social media and tell everyone she is his wife