Wynberg crime blitzes called for

THE letter from Colin Arendse (December 23) refers.

What Mr Arendse witnessed last Tuesday morning was one of regular crime prevention operations carried out in Wynberg by various law enforcement agencies to address complaints received from the community as well as criminal activities associated in “hotspot” areas.

The Wynberg Improvement District assists these agencies when requested in line with our approved Implementation Plan, providing a top-up service to those provided by the city council.

Mr Arendse is correct that homelessness is not a crime but there is a large percentage of the people sleeping on the street who are not necessarily homeless, but are there with criminal intentions, and unless there are these crime prevention programmes/operations in place, the incidents of reported crime would increase.

On a point of correction, Mr Arendse, these operations are carried out while the homeless people are present to ensure that they retain their “meagre” possessions and it is the discarded waste that is removed. The costs to the city council of cleaning these areas is another drain on the fiscus to which Mr Arendse and all taxpayers are contributing.

Mr Arendse, should you wish to discuss this with us, please call and make an appointment rather than through letters to the press.