Despite the ongoing crime in the Laudium area remaining a serious concern for residents, the local CPF seems to have gone into hibernation.
Since January this year, less and less has been heard about the Laudium CPF concerning policing in the area, since it’s chair Shaheen Wahab, took a step back in CPF activities due to illness.
This follows yet again, residents reporting this week more incidents of crime to the Laudium Sun for stats purposes, while the CPF remains silent, despite them meant to be representing the community and reporting back to them on a regular basis.
In one of the many incidents of crime, reported to the Laudium Sun this week, a thief stole a number of items from a car parked on Grey Street, the same street where the Laudium Police Station is situated. The theft from a grey Renault Scenic car parked outside a car workshop the previous Monday, resulted in a car radio and other items being stolen from a customer’s car.
Bruce Mahoma, the owner of the car workshop on Grey Street, Laudium, told the Laudium Sun, “I repair cars and one of the cars I was repairing was a Renault Scenic, which belonged to my customer and was parked outside the yard at the time. During the day I was busy working inside the garage in the yard and when I was closing for the day, I went outside to bring the Renault in. But when I got into the car, I immediately realised that the radio was missing. I strongly believe I know who was responsible for the theft. There is a coloured man who has stolen from me before and I am certain that it is the same person involved in this incident of theft of the radio and other items. This is not the first time something like it has happened and it is very frustrating to deal with repeated situations involving the same individual. What makes the situation worse is that the Laudium Police Station is right next to our yard, yet criminals continue to operate freely without any fear or disturbance. This raises serious concerns about safety and the level of control in the area. Previously, crime was not that high, but over the past few months, there has been a noticeable change. There are many unfamiliar faces around, freely roaming the streets and it seems like this has contributed to the increase in criminal activity. This kind of behaviour of criminals is affecting people like us who are simply trying to work hard and live honestly. We come here to run our businesses and earn a living without stress, but instead, we are forced to deal with losses and constant worry. Now I have to take responsibility for the radio that got stolen, as it happened while the car was in my care, which is unfair and adds further pressure on my expenses. It feels like criminals do not want others to succeed in business or live peacefully. People should be allowed to live with dignity and pride without being constantly targeted or disturbed. There needs to be action taken, by the police and the CPF to stop these ongoing criminal activities in the area, so that the community can return to a safer and more stable environment.”
radio from his customers car puts pressure on his expenses as he has to replace the radio.
Donovan Nayagar of Grey Street, told the Laudium Sun, “Our street used to be very safe in the past, as the police station is also on the same street, but this is no longer the case. The situation has changed significantly, with Grey Street now turning into a hotspot for criminal activity. What was once a peaceful environment has become a place where residents are constantly worried about their safety. There are many unfamiliar individuals moving around and staying in the area, which raises serious concerns. It feels like these new faces are contributing to the rise in unlawful activities taking place around us. There is growing frustration within the community about the lack of effective action by the police and the CPF to address these problems. The presence of a police station in close proximity should ideally bring a sense of security, but the reality on the ground does not reflect that expectation. Incidents of crime continue to occur and it creates the impression that there is little control by the police over what is happening. Day after day, we hear of reports of criminal behaviour, yet there is no visible improvement in the situation. Residents are beginning to lose confidence in the systems that are supposed to protect them. People want to see active measures being taken, not just words or promises. It is time that the politicians, together with the police and the CPF work out a plan to put a stop to this high crime in our area.”
Pallavi Patel, also of Grey Street, told the Laudium Sun, “A safe neighbourhood is essential for a stable and healthy community. Without that, it becomes difficult for people to live comfortably or focus on their daily lives. The current high crime situation in our area requires urgent attention and there must be a stronger effort to bring back peace and security to the area. The community has a right to be protected and to live in an environment where safety is guaranteed by those in leadership positions.”