In October, the GP/OKCID team assisted with 7 arrests, 14 planned operations with SAPS, 37 municipal services and 16 proactive actions.
There was a 47% increase in crime last month, with incidents primarily comprising of theft out of motor vehicles, muggings and house break-ins. Crime is expected to increase as we near closer to the festive season, as increased activity in the City Bowl and more tourists offer opportunistic criminals a greater chance of getting lucky.
Our patrollers are prepared for an increase in criminal activity and we’ve increased the number of posts in hotspot areas. We’ll continue to monitor crime trends and shifting hotspots, and allocate patrollers as required.
We’ve also noticed a significant increase in ATM fraud and card swiping throughout the City Bowl. Hotspots include the ATM at the Caltex Garage on Somerset Road, the ATM opposite McDonalds on Kloof Street, and the ATM at the Engen Garage on Kloof Street.
When committing ATM fraud or card swiping, a criminal’s modus operandi is to distract customers who are using an ATM by offering assistance or asking a question. The criminal will try to get close enough to view your PIN or grab your bank card and run. The card is then used repeatedly at ATMs until the daily cash withdrawal limit on the card is reached, after which high-value transactions are made at merchants.
Local authorities are aware of the increase in incidents of this nature, however, we urge residents and visitors to practice the following ATM safety tips to prevent falling victim to these crimes:
Last month, our GP/OKCID patrollers assisted with a number of properties and vehicles that were left unsecured. When a resident’s property or vehicle is found improperly secured, vulnerable to opportunistic criminals, our team goes out of their way to ensure the property or vehicle is guarded or secured until the owner has returned.
For example, a resident’s garage was recently found wide open. Thankfully, one of our GPCID patrollers noticed the open garage in time and was able to secure the property, preventing theft of items inside the garage or a potential house break-in via the direct access door.
During another shift, one of our OKCID patrollers noticed that a resident’s storeroom gate was left wide open with the keys still in the lock.
The space contained a large quantity of renovation equipment, at risk of being stolen. Our patroller locked the storeroom and held onto the key before returning it to the owner early the following morning. Well done to these patrollers for acting proactively and helping to create a safer neighbourhood for all!
Remember to keep our 24/7 emergency numbers on hand to report any suspicious behaviour or call for assistance, should you feel unsafe:
GP CID PATROL VEHICLE: 082 214 3228
OK CID PATROL VEHICLE: 082 217 1386