Spiralling crime unnerves residents
HOME invasions and housebreakings in Reservoir Hills appear to be on the increase, with at least five new incidents reported almost every week.
Worried residents are now demanding a designated police station for the suburb.
Local crime groups have been inundated with alerts of hijackings and housebreakings taking place moments apart.
Homes on Halpin Avenue, Fulham Road, Manton Crescent, Lydia Avenue, Winchester Drive and Yale Crescent have been targeted by armed men, and residents fear they could be next.
According to a neighbourhood watch group, it’s not just home invasions that have spiked, but hijackings and robberies too.
Just recently, a hijacking took place at the corner of Kies Avenue and McLarty Road where a man was held up by four armed men. His metallic-blue BMW and other belongings were taken. A passing motorist reported the matter to police after one of the assailants pointed a gun at him.
“He told me to turn my vehicle around and not look back. Fearing for my life, I did as I was told but immediately contacted the police,” said the man.
In a separate incident, three males entered a home on Manton Crescent and robbed the family of cash and jewellery at gunpoint. Winchester Drive and Lydia Avenue were hit next.
Inkosi Security response officer Amith Sewbarun said he rushed to the scene on Winchester Drive.
“At 3am, two men entered through the fan light while the family was asleep. They opened a few cupboards and fled as soon as the alarm was activated.”
He believed the same two suspects invaded another home on Lydia Avenue, a road away from Winchester.
No one was injured in the break-ins, but Sewbarun foresees little relief from criminals. “We are at the end of the year and crime will pick up. It is a trend every year, but instead of shying away from crime, we need to be proactive. Show your presence and provide the necessary deterrence to potential criminals,” he said.
In another recent incident, a Yale Place grandmother was dragged through her home by armed robbers, who fled with jewellery and electronic goods in the family’s Porsche. They abandoned the vehicle 300m from the scene before hijacking a motorist and jumping into his silver VW Polo.
A Reservoir Hills resident, who requested anonymity, said if the crime level in the area did not drop soon, he would be forced to relocate.
“I can’t be living like a prisoner in my own home. As soon as I arrive home from work, I have to make sure I’m not followed. I have to constantly make the effort to ensure all my entrances are secured and locked.
“Sometimes as a family, we want to leave our doors open and enjoy a cool evening breeze, but we are unable to because we are scared we will be held up.
“Police seriously need to look at building a permanent police station where officers are able to attend to crime efficiently and effectively. The residents cannot do it all on their own,” he said.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane advised the community to raise their concerns with their local CPF or the station commander of the recently installed satellite police station.
However, ward councillor Xolani Nala said the satellite station, operated by Sydenham SAPS, lacked sufficient manpower.
“The station is currently manned between 8am and 4.30pm and is not fully operational.”
He said there were not enough cars and police officers to ensure the satellite station operated effectively.
Nala added that cameras had been placed in strategic points where crime was most rampant.
“These cameras are monitored by Metro Police and, if need be, they will respond to the relevant incident.”
He said the CPF was doing most of the work.
“CPF members, who work around the clock with no sleep and no pay, must be commended for their valiant efforts. Their hard work does not go unnoticed.”
Reservoir Hills CPF chairperson, Pravin Gounder, said they tried to empower and mobilise residents through neighbourhood watches and crime groups.
He said there was a move to station a Metro Police base in the area but nothing had been confirmed yet.