Nearly 200 arrests were made over the last quarter after the City of Cape Town’s law enforcement made their presence known in the CBD.
Between July and September, a dedicated team of 100 officers made 185 arrests and issued 5 011 fines for traffic and by-law offences in an effort to address an alarming increase in crime over the preceding three month period.
The deployment came just as crime statistics between April and June showed an increase in a number of categories reported to the Cape Town Central police station.
The officers work in shifts, ensuring a 24-hour Law Enforcement presence in the CBD.
This is in addition to the general Area Law Enforcement, Traffic and Metro Police deployments.
“Our intention was to stop the rise in crime in the CBD and move closer to realising a space where everyone can feel safer. I’m thrilled to see it’s working. Visible policing is a simple concept, but is of crucial importance to not only prevent crime, but also give peace of mind to residents and visitors. We are confident it is going to continue making a real difference for all who work, live and visit the CBD,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Read: Update: a Chinese national has been kidnapped in Bellville
Most of these were for possession of drugs (75) and riotous behavior (31) while police also made 14 arrests for possession of dangerous offences.
Four were taken into custody for housebreaking, dealing in liquor and possession of suspected stolen property respectively while a total of nine were apprehended for possession of an illegal firearm, possession of car breaking implements and assault. Over the three month period, an additional 29 were apprehended for schedule B offences.
“This is a very positive start, and as the team settles into its rhythm with the other role-players like SAPS, the Metro Police Strategic Surveillance Unit and the CCID, to name a few, we are likely to see even more results,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
“Cape Town has worked hard to ensure that its CBD bucks the trend of that in other cities around the country, and this added enforcement layer is designed to maintain this space for the many thousands of locals from all walks of life, but also our visitors, who frequent the space on a daily basis.”
“The deployment of the 100 officers in the CBD is taking Law Enforcement towards an effective 24- hour presence in the CBD, and the surrounding areas, from the Bo Kaap to Vredehoek and Gardens are all likely to benefit, because the enforcement operations follow the crime pattern analysis which is relayed to them on a regular basis.”
Read more:
Another urinating incident at Stellenbosch, another student suspended
Photo: Pexels