Stellenbosch police have warned residents to be cautious and exercise vigilance in various areas, following a noticeable change in crime tendencies in the precinct throughout January.
According to police spokesperson Captain Nathalie Martin, reported incidents in January show an upward curve in property-crimes theft, theft of motor vehicles of particular categories. Police have also noted a change in reported cases of robbery.
“When it comes to theft most of the incidents occurred in Andringa, Rynevelt and Dorp streets as well as Jonkershoek Road and Blumberg Drive,” Martin pointed out. “These reported incidents occurred between 09:00 and 15:00 on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. One arrest has been made in the reported cases.”
When it comes to theft of motor vehicles, incidents were report in Lynedoch Road, Suidwal, Bird, Andringa and Noordwal-Oos streets, Martin said, adding that these occurred mostly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 09:00 and 12:00.
“Three arrests on a charge of theft out of a motor vehicle have already been made,” Martin said. “These cases mostly occurred in Andringa, Du Toit and Blom streets from Wednesday to Friday in the late afternoon, with criminals mostly breaking the side windows of vehicles to gain access.”
Martin further said Stellenbosch police successfully arrested nine people for robberies that occurred in Bird, Victoria, George Blake, Planken, Thubelitsha, Bassi, Makupula and Nkanini streets.
“The majority of these incidents occurred from Thursday to Sunday, but at no specific time of the day,” she pointed out.
“Stellenbosch police ask that the community refrain from walking with their cellphones in their hands, or where they are visible. Do not talk or chat on your cellphone while walking, and don’t walk alone at night, especially in streets that are dark.
“Do not leave valuable articles in your vehicle when parked and left unattended for long periods. Too many laptops and valuable items are being left on the seats of vehicles.”
- Anyone with information on any of the cases is asked to phone Stellenbosch police on 021 809 5000.
