Robberies and home burglaries in Bothasig increased from July to September this year, compared to the same time last year, according to the latest crime stats.
The data, released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Wednesday November 23, showed that aggravated robbery is up 125%, from 16 to 36 cases while home burglaries are up from 1 to six cases.
Richwood, De Zicht and Atlantic Hills are some of the hot spots for robberies, according to Warrant Officer Donovan Smith who spoke at a Bothasig Community Police Forum meeting on Thursday November 24.
Bothasig police spokesman Warrant Officer Jacques Mostert said most of the robberies happened when people arrived home at night.
Police were also concerned about a new trend, seen in Edgemead especially, where robbers removed windows from homes to gain entry.
Bothasig CPF chairman Dave Morley encouraged residents to join neighbourhood watches in their areas to increase visibility and assist in crime-fighting efforts.
“Unfortunately we have a limited number of staff at the Bothasig police station and we need the public’s input. We can’t all be keyboard warriors. We need to be vigilant and assist the police, and that’s the only way we can combat crime in the area,” said Mr Morley.
Bothasig resident Karin Verschoor said: “Our parks have become very overgrown, so you have opportunist criminals who hide in the bushes and rob schoolchildren of their cellphones. So it’s very important as a community to come together and clean up our parks.”
Ward 5 includes Bothasig, Edgemead, De Zicht, Burgundy Estate and Richwood among other areas.
