Grahamstown police have, this week, urged members of the community to open a case when a crime has been committed.
Grahamstown police have, this week, urged members of the community to open a case when a crime has been committed.
Crime Intelligence Officer Captain Milanda Coetzer said that police have noted with concern that, in quite a few instances, home or property owners are not pursuing case dockets when either the South African Police Service or a security company make an arrest after an offence has occurred.
“During the past month (December 2015) two well known criminals were arrested several times for crimes including general theft, theft out of motor vehicle and burglaries.
“But in only one instance did a member of the community press charges and the perpetrators were detained and taken to court.
“It is understandable that a once-off event, like having your vehicle broken into but the property returned, may be seen as a fitting end to the situation.
“However, the two suspects involved here are well-known and habitual criminals who are focused on trawling the Sunnyside area, Fitzroy Street, Oatlands North and the fringes of the CBD.”
According to Coetzer, the Sunnyside Community Watch have circulated the criminals’ photographs and, when they are walking in that area, make sure they’re reported.
She said that this has brought down the number of incidents in which these men have managed to commit crimes in Sunnyside, but it has moved them into the the areas of Fitzroy and Oatlands North.
“Being able to make use of the full force of the law to arrest, detain and bring to court and ensure the eventual incarceration of such habitual criminals is ultimately the SAPS’ goal.”
“We are not able to do so without the assistance of the community. We are therefore again requesting that members of the community pursue cases of this kind vigorously, so that we can ensure a safe and secure environment for all,” said Coetzer.
