Car guards a parking headache for motorists

GRAAFF-REINET — On a daily basis, shoppers in Caledon Street and Church Street are accosted by car guards, who often become offensive and abusive if their “services’ are rejected.

There are many men and women on the streets who are genuinely helpful and are just trying to earn a living to support their families.

Some shoppers, particularly the elderly and infirm, appreciate the help of someone to push their trolley and unload it into their car, and those who are nervous when parking or pulling out into traffic are glad of assistance.

However, the actions of what seems to be the majority of these guards, mostly men, are giving all car guards a bad name. In many cases, the abuse and swearing that is hurled at drivers are probably fuelled by alcohol or drugs, and women and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

There have been frequent discussions about this problem on social media, and Caledon Street seems to be the area most often mentioned. Other notorious “hot spots” for unwelcome so-called car guards include parts of Church Street.

Over the holiday season, several shop owners have reported hearing tourists who had stopped to break their journey saying that they would rather not linger due to all the aggressive vagrants and “guards” - a poor reflection of the town when tourists who contribute hugely to the town’s economy feel threatened.

The police have strongly advised motorists many times not to tip the guards- if people refused to pay them, they would not be there expecting money. Unfortunately, tourists from the big cities often are the worst culprits, offering generous tips, and so this becomes the expected norm.

It has been suggested many times that car guards should be compelled to register and wear an ID badge with their name and photograph. A bib in a distinctive colour could be given to these registered guards, as is the case in Knysna, where official guards wear red bibs. Notices would be displayed advising residents and visitors to only pay the official guards.

Motorists and shoppers should be aware that if they are the victims of a verbal assault, they can open a case of crimen injuria with the police. Similarly, if a vehicle is scratched, a case of malicious damage to property can be opened. Fines can be imposed for these crimes, but in all probability will not be paid. The offender will then have to appear in court for the prosecutor to make a decision.

If business owners have proof of repeated incidents of disturbance or harassment, they can apply for an interdict, forbidding the offenders to be within a certain distance of their premises.

Brig Rudolph Adolph, Cluster Commander for the Graaff-reinet District, urged people to report incidents of intimidation or damage to the police. He is anxious to reassure the community that the safety of residents and visitors is seen to be of utmost importance.

Already more than 30 people have been issued with fines, including a total of 11 last Friday alone. Brig Adolph also appealed for support from the municipality to help fight this scourge, and the Advertiser hopes to be able to report on their response in the next issue.