Grassy Park Police urge residents to stay vigilant in festive season

As the festive season nears and celebrations get underway, the Grassy Park Police station commander has warned of a likely rise in crime, with concerns about serious offences such as attempted murder and theft from motor vehicles.

Station Commander Colonel Andre van Wyk told Southern Mail he is concerned about the spike in certain crimes typically seen during the festive season and urged the community to stay alert and take steps to ensure their own safety.

He urged the community to remain vigilant, particularly against robberies occurring at identified hotspots, and advised residents to avoid late-night gatherings at spaza shops to reduce the risk of becoming targets of crime.

“The priority of the SAPS, in line with the directives of the provincial and national commissioners, is our constitutional obligation to reduce contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, and robberies. This remains our first priority, so that the community can live a normal and functional life,”  said Colonel Van Wyk.

“We do attend to gang violence, as it is widely reported in the media,” he said.

“The Western Cape has a gang strategy, and we are following it by focusing on trends. We conduct disruptive operations, such as unannounced raids, and combative operations, including searches. We have identified the main crime generators and have intensified policing around these hotspots.”

He noted that gang-related shootings remain a major contributor to murders and attempted murders.

“We always analyse these cases to identify suspects and determine motives,” he said.

The commander also warned about cellphone robberies, which spike during the festive period. “Residents should keep their phone’s serial number or IMEI handy. This helps us track stolen devices,” he said.

Another concern is the late-night operation of spaza shops. Colonel Van Wyk said: “Many parents send their children to spaza shops after hours. If a shooting occurs, they could be caught in the crossfire. We urge parents to prevent children from loitering near these shops and to ensure they are home safely.”

Residents were also cautioned about online Marketplace scams and robberies, often targeting buyers who meet sellers at private homes.

“Rather, arrange to meet at a safe public location, such as a police station,” he said.

On the topic of stolen goods, Colonel Van Wyk emphasised: “Do not buy items from someone knocking on your door. You can be prosecuted for possession of stolen property.”

Motorists are reminded to remove valuables from vehicles, as theft from cars is a continuing concern. Uber drivers are also at risk, with robberies occurring while waiting for clients.

“Drivers should remain alert and avoid waiting in isolated areas for long periods,” he said.

The Grassy Park police work closely with the Community Police Forum and 26 active neighbourhood watches to maintain community safety.

Parents are urged to monitor their children closely during the school holidays.

“Know where your kids are and what they are doing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Lamb, community ambassador and head of the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) room, highlighted a fingerprint safety drive to protect children. The drive, for children aged 3 to 17, will take place at Pick'n Pay Ottery Hypermarket on November 29.

“We take fingerprints and photos so that if a child goes missing, we have current records to assist in tracing them,” she said.

Colonel Van Wyk urged residents to help identify crime hotspots as well as any crime-related incidents.

“If the community knows of areas of concern, please contact the toll-free crime line at 08600 10111,” he said