A joint SAPS and community police forum (CPF) operation led to the arrest of two men who had more than 4 000 west coast rock lobster (commonly known as crayfish) tails, without a permit.
The crime prevention operation, which took place over the weekend, involved several security role-players including neighbourhood watches, Metro police and traffic services.
Captain Ezra October, spokesperson for the Cape Town Central police station, said a number of arrests had been made for various crimes.
“The vigilance of two members of Cape Town Central was rewarded with the arrest of two suspects who were caught in possession of 4 036 west coast rock lobster tails without the necessary permit.”
The members were conducting patrols in Dorp Street, Bo-Kaap when they spotted of two men acting suspiciously. This prompted the members to investigate their behaviour, which led to the discovery of crayfish tails.”
According to Captain October, the men are aged 36 and 38 and were expected to make their first appearance in court on Tuesday May 2.
Other arrests made during the operation included one for dealing in drugs, 20 for drunk driving and eight for being in possession of drugs. Traffic fines totalling R1 000 and fines for nightclubs, totalling R5 500 were issued.
Captain October said some of the crime concerns in the CBD include robbery at the Grand Parade, bus terminal and top deck taxi rank, and theft out of motor vehicles in CBD and surrounding residential areas. “Too many car users leave their valuables in full sight for criminals to see. This becomes an opportunities for criminals,” he said.
Nicola Jowell, chairperson of the Cape Town CPF said the crime-free operations served as a call to all role-players to help prevent crime.
These role-players, she said, included traffic services, Law Enforcement, Metro police, Central Improvement Districts (CIDs), armed response companies and volunteers from the neighbourhood watches.
“The volunteers of the neighbourhood watches act as a deterrent to crime in so many ways, the most basic of which being that while they are out on the streets criminals will stay away.
“And of course they act as the eyes and ears for SAPS reporting in all suspicious behaviour so that SAPS can target their activities.
“In essence, the additional resources enable SAPS to be far more present in the areas that are needed.
“We are extremely lucky to have such active, dedicated and numerous external role-players in our precinct,” said Ms Jowell.
“Safety and security is everyone’s responsibility and we all can play a role in making this a better community to live in. Unfortunately, with considerable crime problems in other precincts, diminishing resources and other issues, we continue to see a drain on SAPS resources.
“The partners such as CIDs, armed response companies and neighbourhood watches have a massive role to play.”
Suzette Little, mayoral committee member for area north, said these kinds of operations were important for crime prevention.
“Members of the community policing forums and neighbourhood watches are our eyes are ears and their contributions are appreciated.
“We encourage residents to join their neigbourhood watches as the law enforcement agencies are not able to be everywhere on a continuous basis. Regular operations are always welcome as it encourages collective crime prevention.”
By the time this edition went to print, SAPS were still waiting for a report from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries to determine the value of the crayfish tails.
Police have requested the community to report anyone involved in criminal activities to Crime Stop 08600 10111 or contact Cape Town Central Police Station at 021 4678001/2/6/7.
