Residents call for closure of crime hotspot in Grassy Park

Fearing further criminal activity after his son was robbed of his cellphone, Le Roux Avenue resident Walter Nicholas said the neighbouring lane has become an “escape route for criminals” and he has repeatedly pleaded with the City to have it closed.

Mr Nicholas said his son was robbed recently, after which he immediately made an appointment to see ward councillor Shanen Rossouw, who agreed to inspect the lane. According to him, perpetrators have been using the passage to flee after burglaries and street robberies.

“They robbed my son of his cellphone, so how many people must be attacked before they do something? The councillor is not coming out so that they can close the lane,” he said, adding that he is doing everything he can to prevent more residents from falling victim.

Sergeant Alridge Isaacs, spokesperson for the Grassy Park Police, said that concern has been raised about a lane in the Grassy Park area reportedly being used as a crime hotspot.

"A recent robbery occurred in the vicinity, and confirmation of the incident is requested, along with information on any similar crimes where suspects may have used the lane as an escape route. Police continue to conduct regular patrols in the area, and the community is strongly encouraged to open cases so that incidents can be properly recorded and addressed.”

Edith Ely, chairperson of the Italian Road Neighbourhood Watch, said: “We know about the lane and we are aware that people are sitting in the Le Roux lane.”

She added that the neighbourhood watch will increase manpower for December patrols, as robberies are expected to occur early in the morning. They will also focus on two other so-called getaway roads - Janarie Road and 8th Avenue - which suspects reportedly use to get to Prince George Drive, where the neighbourhood watch boundary ends.

Councillor Shanen Rossouw said: “I requested a site visit with the officials,” but did not indicate a date.