Over the past two weeks there has been an increasein indiscriminate muggings in Grahamstown, especially on Somerset and African Street, says Derek Richardson, the manager of armed response at Hi-Tec Security.
Over the past two weeks there has been an increasein indiscriminate muggings in Grahamstown, especially on Somerset and African Street, says Derek Richardson, the manager of armed response at Hi-Tec Security.
He encourages students particularly to “watch their backs” because of the increase of broad daylight harassment and warns the public that women are in danger while walking alone at night, “especially after two toots or so”.
Grahamstown SAPS communication officer, Captain Mali Govender say they have also noted a recent increase in muggings.
“It is happening in the townships and around town, people have been robbed of their cellphones,” she said. However, “house break-ins have also been a big concern laptops have been taken, as well as theft out of vehicles,” warned Govender.
Most incidents have occurred during the late at night or in the early hours of in the morning. In order to avoid being mugged, Govender suggested that “you avoid speaking on your cellphone in remote areas, rather wait until you’re safe”.
Richardson believes that the reason for the increase in crime is because punishment is not always effectively implemented and juveniles who are repeat offenders cannot be imprisoned.
“We catch someone and the next day the guy is back on the street to commit those crimes again,” he says.
Furthermore, he points out that “everyone wants the easy way out, they want us [Hi-Tec] to arrive quickly, but once they’re safe, they won’t open a docket and deal with the red tape”.
However, there is now a new way for people to protect themselves against potential muggings says Richardson. A high-powered stun gun in the guise of a cellphone can be carried around and used to shock assailants.
Instead of handing over a cellphone when threatened, the stun-gun (which looks exactly like a modern cell phone) can be passed to the mugger, electrocuting him once it is grasped. This device can be purchased from the Hi-Tec offices on New Street.
Otherwise, there are more conventional ways to avoid harassment. Richardson emphasises constant vigilance when it comes to digs.
Keeping the windows closed and possessions out of sight while away is essential, because “guys can fish things out through windows”.
In addition, keeping the burglar alarm activated and locking doors is paramount. “Girls wake up in the morning with all their stuff gone and the front door open,” he explains.
