Last 72 hours

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Period covered: 5 May – 3 June 2009

In the last while there has been a steady increase in criminally related incidents, not only within our immediate campus environment but also within the greater Metro area. What is important is that we take note of the fact that we have again had success in responding to and capturing perpetrators in the act of criminal intent. This would not have been so without the contributions and speedy response coming through from staff and students. One of the steadiest climbers at the moment is motor vehicle theft. During the 12 month period April 2008 – 2009 403 vehicles were reported stolen in the Summerstrand/Humewood area.

Of these vehicles, only one was taken from our campuses during the last 12 months. The success of our efforts in countering m/vehicle and other theft is very dependant on value of our information resources and sources being successfully used in our investigational process.

Some Good Stuff!

During this last month, we have arrested suspected criminals as well recovering stolen university and personal property. In at least four of these cases, the arrested parties were detained by police and face criminal charges. One of the suspects arrested a h/breaking case was also instrumental in harassing staff in their offices and was found to be fleeing rape charges for which there is a warrant for his arrest. He is currently in detention at St Albans awaiting trial. Suspects face charges after having been linked to the 13 December 2008 break-in, robbery and m/vehicle theft incident that occurred at the Sanlam Student Village. They are part of a known group of house breakers who operate out of Walmer and have been involved in the numerous incidents of h/breaking and theft suffered by our off-campus residence students, living in the immediate Gomery Road surrounds.

Be Careful!

• General crime awareness info passed on to us indicates the fact that there are two male criminals who drive a white double cab and will come to your door posing as either SAPD or SABC inspectors and that they are there to check on TV licenses. Once they have access, they perpetrate various crimes.
• Office staff are to be wary of any person coming to your office and giving you a soft story with the intent of getting money/donations from you. In most instances reported to us so far the person has been a male and dresses neatly. His opening line is that of knowing your family and having to collect funds to bury a family member. When you do not respond favorably he is inclined to become more forceful.
• Key control is an important part of any security situation, the use of duplicating and passing out keys is to be avoided as it leads to a zero control situation. All key requests are to be submitted to the university locksmith and copied to this office. Should there be any areas where keys in possession exceed the need or are either sub or master keys, these need to be reported and returned for proper control.

South Campus

• 6 May – theft of lap top taken from bag left unattended at the library
• 7 May – theft of cash box contents of R5000 from Madibaz open office, all MADIBAZ staff have access
• 7 May – use of banned substances, a student faces disciplinary steps after being found smoking cannabis at the campus boma area
• 8 May – theft of cell phones taken from open/unlocked m/vehicle parked at the taxi rank near Vans tuck shop
• 8 May – theft from m/vehicle of radio/CD player from the main parking area, the door lock was forced to gain entry
• 15 May – suspected break-in attempt in 12^th floor offices, staff must please immediately report any suspicious persons or actions, especially after hours
• 19 May – theft of goods from vending machine at the architecture department after breaking the glass face
• 19 May – h/breaking and theft of 6 flat screen monitors taken from Zoology department after forcing the door to gain entry, the matter is under investigation
• 19 May – theft of award medals, taken from storage at Physics, unknown exactly when, any information on this will be appreciated.
• 20 May – fraud by way of false pretences, student will face disciplinary charges due to collecting cash deposits on room from others and running off with their money. Should you be approached with any such offer, be aware
• 21 May – assault between two students, case to be referred for disciplinary hearing
• 21 May – suspect person arrested in education faculty offices after been found going through an open office desk
• 23 May – theft of digital camera taken from hands at a party held at the XM club house, any information will be appreciated
• 25 may – theft from m/vehicle, removal of radio/CD player from the extended parking area off Embizweni
• 28 May – theft of wallet, cell phone and cash left in the unlocked draw of an 11^th floor main building office

North Campus

• 5 May – h/breaking and theft of a lap top from 1^st floor level office in the main admin building
• 20 May – theft of wallet and i-pod from bag which was left unattended at the Astro turf, the i-pod was recovered in the follow-up in nearby bushes, three suspects were arrested and handed over to the police
• 21 May - theft from tea room of a microwave and other appliances, a suspect has been arrested and is facing two similar charges
• 22 May – attempted h/breaking, suspect arrested by security on site linked to earlier break-in and theft facing criminal charges
• 22 May – theft of PC tower from fashion design department, matter is under investigation

2^nd Avenue Campus

• 5 May – h/breaking and theft of goods at the cafeteria after gaining access through an open window.

Missionvale Campus

• 12 May – malicious damage to property, deliberate breaking of postal box
• 20 May – malicious damage to property, deliberate breaking of postal box
• 25 May – theft of food from fridge taken from function area that was not under direct request for additional security protection

Bird Street Campus

• Zero incidents

Off-campus and other

• 25 May – report of robbery of a student in Gomery Road at about 01:00 after been stopped by persons driving a green Toyota Corolla. Bag and contents taken.
• We had numerous incidents of losses of flash drives, cell phones and laundry. All of which went missing due to having been left unattended and discovered missing on return of the owner. One needs to guard against placing personal items at risk in this manner.

Exam Security

Its exam time and students need to remember that they take care of their property. Leave bags and valuables in the boot of your car and ensure that you lock the vehicle when parking.

Derek Huebsch

HOD: Protection Services