Clairwood businesses demand action plan to combat rising crime

CLAIRWOOD business owners said they feel helpless as they watch criminals prey on stationary vehicles and trucks on South Coast Road in Durban.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

The intersections of Pinedene Road, South Coast Road (R102), and Solomon Mahlangu Drive (formerly Edwin Swales Drive) have seen an unprecedented number of thefts from trucks, according to the Clairwood Community Policing Forum (CPF).

A CPF member and businessman, who did not want to be named, claimed that there are at least 15 incidents of crime at the intersections that go unreported. These are thefts out of vehicles and robberies while motorists are waiting for the traffic signal to change.

The businessman has Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage of theft taking place daily from the back of bakkies and trucks. He claimed that criminals walk directly into a local scrap dealer's premises to sell stolen items.

“Stabbing, smash and grab, and muggings in broad daylight take place in full view of the public. Cable theft also causes traffic signals to go off. I have been fighting this issue for more than five years.”