Petty crime on the rise in the town of Aberdeen

The school holidays and approaching festive season have brought an unwelcome spike in petty crimes in Aberdeen town, and residents are urged to take sensible precautions to avoid becoming victims.

An increasing number of children have been seen roaming the streets in the residential area, and despite innocent faces, many of these are already known to police for previous offences.

One youngster caught red-handed stealing garden tools recently was also recognised as one who was seen rummaging through belongings on a back stoep just a few days later.

The necessary precautions include keeping outside storerooms and garages locked, and not leaving valuables such as cellphones and laptops easily accessible near open windows or in outside entertainment areas. Many of these incidents are seen as relatively minor for example, the children stealing fruit, hosepipes and other fittings being taken from gardens - but the police urge residents to report each and every instance, and to open a case.

Even though unfortunately the culprits are often minors and no action seems to be able to be taken, it is very important that the police have accurate statistics of crime in the area. Station commander, Captain Advocate Qashani, explained that the process of registering a complaint helps SAPS evaluate reaction times and results, as well as the efficiency of the members in service delivery as well.

This data is also used to check hotspot areas for operation and tasking.

“The complaints registered at the police station can be made as portfolio of evidence when we need more resources,” said Capt Qashani, “and therefore the community is encouraged to make use of the channel."

The Captain is dedicated to providing service and care to the community and offers himself on 24-hour standby in case of non-compliance by the members.

“The community can call me any time for any concern.”