New wave of thefts hitting Port Alfred

A new year has dawned and with it a new wave of thefts in Port Alfred. Once again, copper pipes are being targeted. Theft from motor vehicles has also increased as people drop their guard and become complacent. We appeal to the public not to leave items in a visible place, be it in your vehicle or at home.  

Port Alfred crime statistics for December 2024 were lower than the same period in 2023 and we would like to thank SAPS and the security companies for the hard work that they put in over  the festive season to ensure residents, visitors and their possessions were safe.  

Many extra hours were put in by SAPS members without extra remuneration. The public does not know what goes on behind the scenes and that is why it is very hurtful to all security personnel to experience rumour mongering and sensationalism on social media groups. Negative comments will not win you any friends, nor improve service.  

Too familiar 

Recently there has been a spate of social media posts about a well-known criminal wandering around a section of the West Bank. Despite being removed, he has returned to the area because there are people who feed him there. The CPF requests that you don’t entice non-residents to your area with food or money: rather donate to a soup kitchen and refer them there. 

We have observed that someone who is not perceived as threatening is often used to scout an area under the pretext of looking for a donation of food, money or clothing; however, they or their associates return later to take your possessions. An apparently innocent interaction may be an opportunity to familiarise themselves with your circumstances and surrounds. 

Scammer 

A local offender has done considerable damage by scamming and hacking cellphone numbers. We once again appeal to the public not to answer unknown numbers. The local scammer is a copycat, having brought the modus operandi from another town to this one.  

The CPF will be arrange another information session soon to help residents identify and deal with scammers. This time, it will be held after 5pm, so as to give working people a chance to attend.  

Drugs 

Drugs are a problem everywhere, but in a small town like ours, the problem is more noticeable. 

Immediately report any selling of drugs to Warrant Officer Gombert at SAPS 046 6044700; 046 6044703; 046 6044704 

 If you’re able to safely take photos of the transactions all the better. If there is enough evidence, the police can arrest them and their suppliers.  

But: 

• Please don’t speculate, provide facts.  

• Don’t put photos on social media.  

• Follow the money: drugs are obtained with money from theft. Theft comes from leaving things lying around. 

The very first weekend that the mounted police spent in our town, they arrested 6 people for drug possession. Drugs are a community problem: getting involved is in your interest. If you have a member of your family who has a drug problem, please let us know so that we can use our channels to try and help you.  

Empty house alert 

We appeal to owners and/or neighbours of unoccupied homes to contact the CPF’s Anel Groenewald who is compiling a list of these for security reasons. WhatsApp her at 071 568 8041. In addition, please let your security service provider know if your premises are going to be unoccupied, so that response can be immediately dispensed on receiving an alarm signal.  

Report promptly, accurately 

It has come to our attention that people are delaying reporting incidents to the police and security companies. If a crime is reported quickly, response can be activated, perhaps an arrest made and the goods returned. When reporting an incident please provide as much accurate detail as possible; don’t assume or speculate. The police and courts want facts to put law breakers away.  

Nike you see it… now you don’t 

There is an increase in people out jogging and walking who are using their cellphones. They are totally unaware of their surroundings and are vulnerable to having their phones stolen. Please remember that insurance companies don’t pay out if you are negligent.  You will be losing a lot of information and you might be injured in the assault. Is it worth it? 

Loitering 

Many people on social media demand that security companies remove a person from the area. During the January CPF meeting, a long discussion was held on the topic of loiterers and what constitutes loitering. Under South Africa’s constitution, anyone can be anywhere at any time. Unless that person is a nuisance, or under the influence of a substance, or is a threat in any way, he or she cannot be removed. Searching a bag or frisking a person is not allowed and can land a person in big trouble.   

Report it… support them! 

Both security companies still report that there are still people not opening cases with SAPS after a theft. It is to your benefit – and that of your neighbours – that you do.  

There have been disparaging remarks made about SAPS finger print department and we would like to clear the air. They have only six specialist members who cover an area from Hamburg to Alexandria. We ask for patience before going off the deep end about an overworked structure.  

• To join the Port Alfred CPF or find out more about it, visit the Port Alfred Police Station, or call 046 6044700; 046-604-4703; 046-604-4704.  
• This article was first published in Talk of the Town, January 30, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sun30shine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.