Rowdy and anti social behaviour by sex workers, trespassing by homeless individuals on private property and illegal dumping by businesses. These were the top three complaints logged by the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District VRCID control room, from members of the public during lockdown. The VRCID has had a few busy months since the start of lockdown and safety officers have arrested 31 people and held five crime prevention operations with the police and law enforcement . Of the 31 arrests, nine were captured and arrested by careful monitoring of the VRCID’s 71 CCTV cameras. One such incident involved a CCTV con troller observing a suspicious person walk ing in Picton Street in Parow, holding two crates of Sasko bread. Response vehicles were informed, and VRCID’ s public safety officers found the suspect, who was questioned and arrested for possession of stolen goods. The driver of the bread truck was later located, who confirmed that two crates of bread were stolen, and has opened a case against the suspect on behalf of Sasko. Derek Bock, chief operations officer of the VRCID, says the different teams have worked “tirelessly” trying to curb illegal dumping, collecting litter and helping on a social development basis. “We urge the public to abide by lockdown rules and restrict movement as much as possible not only to protect your health, but al so your safety. When you are on the move, we urge you to report any suspicious behaviour that you might come across. Even if it’s just a hunch or gut feeling; this can be the difference between life and death in some situations. Let’s rather be safe than sorry. Please report directly to our 24 hour control room on 072 792 7168.
Published on Tygerburger.
