It is evident that crime statistics vary from last year but on the whole, crime in George and it's immediate surrounding areas is, according to police, under control and shows positive signs of decreasing.
The George Police station commander, Brig. P Mavakala stressed the importance of securing our homes. She announced that break ins are the biggest problem in George at the moment, most of which are due to negligence in locking up at night. Along with this, Mavakala urges residents to get to know their neighbours and exchange numbers, "we need to help one another" she exclaimed.
Mavakala brought to light the situation of prostitution in town. There was an incident earlier this month where a man picked up a prostitute in his car and her boyfriend came after him. The boyfriend assaulted and hijacked the man who later reported it to the police. "Prostitutes are dangerous," warned Mavakala. "Stay far away from them."
On a similar note, Mavakala made a plea to all mothers to talk to their daughters about safety and self-respect. More and more rape cases are emerging from underage pregnancies. Girls are allowing themselves to be seduced and bought by older men and falling pregnant; this automatically becomes a case of statutory rape."Let us look after our girls," asked Mavakala.
Residents in the farmland areas raised their concern about troublesome youths. There seems to be a lack of parenting in these situations. The parents are either extremely negligent or are alcoholics, they are not aware of their children's actions and show no signs of discipline. Neighbourhood watch groups aim to implement programmes of sport and activities to keep the children occupied and therefore out of trouble. The challenge that was found was the lack of money available for these sort of initiatives.
Other concerns raised in the meeting were the shebeens and taverns in low-income residential areas. These were found to be problematic because not only is the liquor being sold illegally without a licence, but residents that live on government grants are purchasing alcohol with the money they should be using for their children.
Police exclaimed that they experienced difficulty in trying to reduce the number of shebeens, as they cannot act without proper proof. The new Provincial Liquor Act came into law earlier this month on 1 April and will change the way in which licences will be granted.
Hand in hand with this, comes drinking and driving. Mr. Quintin Williams from provincial traffic claimed that the Easter weekend was a festive occasion for all. "In a road block, we managed to stop nine people who had been drinking and driving," exclaimed Williams.
The drivers were, however, just under the limit and therefore no actions could be taken against them. He urges people to organise a sober driver if they are going to be drinking. He also made a reference to using taxi services as a means of transport home after a big night out - Good Fellows in town was one of the options mentioned - they will take you and your car home. Drunk driving is never an option.
Alcohol and drugs continue to be a problem within the youth of the community. Parents give their children large amounts of money to spend, with no actual knowledge of where the money is going. It was found that this sort of action allows leeway to the underage to purchase alcohol and other intoxicating substances. Mavakala recommended that parents check receipts as it is "the parent's money - where is it going to?"
Captain Kobus Landman of the George Police stated that without producing statistics yet, he was pleased to announce that business break ins, drunken driving and stock theft have decreased. The meeting ended with a recurring note for all community members to stick together and help fight crime. If you notice any suspicious activity, notify the police or a police official immediately.
It was stressed that the community should take down these numbers in case of an emergency:
- George Police Station Commander - Brig P Mavakala - 044 803 4705/7
- Sector 1 (CBD): Capt Boshoff - 079 893 9925
- Sector 2 (North): W/O Farmer - 079 893 9950
- Sector 3 (South): Capt Stripp - 079 893 9991
- Sector 4 (Blanco): Capt Cliff - 082 493 4646
- Sector 5 (Wilderness): Capt Blaauw - 079 893 9951
- Sector 6 (Herold): W/O Heunis - 079 893 9976
- George SAPS (Communtiy Centre) - 044 803 4744
- George SAPS (Detective crime office) - 044 803 4749
- George SAPS (Radio control) - 10111, 044 803 4732/3
- George SAPS (Liquor officer): W/O Barnard - 082 856 9351
- George SAPS (2nd hand goods): W/O J Carstens - 044 803 4775/35
- Crime intelligence: Capt K Landman - 083 357 5370
- George Communication: Lt A Deyce - 082 302 7074
- First Care Medics - 079 190 9428
- Blacknight Patrols - 078 874 6927
- George Ambulance - 044 802 2500, 10177
