DRUG-RELATED CRIME ON THE RISE IN PHILIPPI

ACCORDING to recently released crime statistics, the Philippi Police
Station oversees an area with the fifth highest rate of drug-related
crime in Cape Town.

Statistics released by the Information Management Department of the
South African Police Service last week reveal that the Philippi
Police Station, which serves the Hanover Park and Philippi areas,
reported 841 drug-related crimes for the period between April 2005
and March 2006.

Commenting on the report, Philippi Station Commissioner Director
David Flemmet says it is favourable as they show the station's recovery rates.

"Drugs are a problem across the whole of the Cape Flats and wherever
there are gangs, there will be drugs," Director Flemmet says.
"Following the murder of Gavin Atkins in March this year, we took a
stand against gang violence and clamped down on the gangs, which
resulted in a clamp-down of drug dealing," he adds.

"The report shows the arrests we've made. I'd like to reassure the
public that our constant visibility in the area will also assist in
stabilising crime."

Commenting on the increase in murder incidents in the area (from 20
in 2004-2005 to 32 in 2005-2006), Flemmet attributed this to the Philippi area.

"Those statistics reflect the period that the Philippi serial killer
was on the loose and he has since been arrested. Philippi and Hanover
Park are now much calmer."

The statistics also reveal an increase in the following reported
crimes, among others:

Indecent assault, from 39 in 2004-2005 to 41 in 2005-2006;
kidnapping, from 2 to 4; abduction, from 6 to 11; and burglaries at
residential premises, from 366 to 392 Meanwhile, the report states
that the neighbouring station, Lansdowne, has experienced a doubling
up in indecent assaults from 13 in 2004-2005 to 26 in 2005-2006.

There has also been an increase in reported incidents of the illegal
possession of firearms.

Recently appointed station commissioner Charlene Chandler says the
area has seen a change in crime trends.

"Traditionally, Lansdowne has always had property-related crime but
there has been a move towards contact crime. With regards to the
increase in illegal possession of firearms, this is not necessarily a
bad statistic, because it means the police are doing their jobs and
retrieving these firearms. However, we are sure that measures are in
place to decrease the numbers."

According to Chandler, this includes the services of sector policing.

"Lansdowne is divided into three sectors: Sector 1 is the Lansdowne
CBD; Sector 2 is the Kenwyn area and Sector 3 is the Belthorn, Penlyn
Estate area.

"Each sector has a sector manager who is responsible for crime in
that area as well as a vehicle that must be visible in that area all the time."

Although Chandler feels that the police have measures in place to
reduce crime, she says they rely heavily on the public for assistance.

"If you see anyone committing a crime, phone the number on the sector
policing vehicle or call one of the managers, Captain Booysen,
Captain Monjee or Captain Manuel, on 700-9000."

The statistics also reveal an increase in the following reported
crimes, among others, in the Lansdowne area: Common assault, from 78
to 86; indecent assault, from 13 to 26; robbery at business premises,
from 2 to 10; malicious damage to property, from 272 to 286; and
drug-related crime, from three to eight.