Ward councillor Charlie Crawford has expressed his concern about the drastic increase in crime in his ward, following the release of the 2012/2013 crime stats.
The stats show drug-related crime increasing from 121 cases (April 2011- March 2012) to 233 (April 2012 to March 2013).
“This indicates that the area has become a drug haven and we all have to admit that we are facing a serious drug problem,” says Crawford.
“All members of the community have to come together, join forces with the authorities and fight this monster.
“So far, I have noticed that there is a lack of commitment among parents and some are still in denial that we are faced with a serious problem, which will eventually destroy all our children.”
Crawford also, however, congratulates the SAPS for being fearless and going the extra mile in arresting the perpetrators.
“The problem is that unscrupulous drug lords are arrested today and the following day they are back on the streets pushing their illicit businesses,” he says.
He adds that a new organisation, that will focus on educating people about the dangers of drugs, will be launched soon.
Other stats show that murder has declined from 34 to 20 cases, sexual crimes have increased from 61 to 87, while assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (321) and common assault (325) remain very high.
Also disconcerting is the rise in numbers of burglaries at residential premises (up from 185 to 231 cases).
* The Boksburg policing precinct has seen an increase in crimes, including assault, robbery, burglary, theft, drug-related crime, carjacking (up from 54 to 77) and culpable homicide (up from nine to 20).
Stats show that the total number of sexual crimes has spiked from 48 to 52, while assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (136) and common assault (211) are also of concern.
Theft is also problematic.
Stats show the following reported incidents: burglary at residential premises (379), theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles (321), theft out of or from motor vehicles (322), robbery with aggravating circumstances (up from 189 to 275) and all theft not mentioned elsewhere (605).
Lieut Mathanda Ngobese, spokesperson for the station, says they have noted the increases and have a plan in place to decrease this unacceptable crime rate in the precinct.
Policing of crime hot spots is one of the strategies the police are going to introduce.
Ngobese mentioned that an increase in drug-related crimes and possession of firearms indicates that police officers have arrested more suspects and made more discoveries of these illegal items.
