Stellenbosch Central currently appears to be a hotspot for theft out of motor vehicles, shoplifting, ATM robberies, theft of bicycles and the theft of electronic devices.
This is according to Paul Cilliers, Fidelity ADT Stellenbosch branch manager, via written correspondence with MatieMedia. The Fidelity ADT team has also responded to theft of motor vehicles, theft of infrastructure and the theft of property, he stated.
The Central Business District (CBD) around campus and parking areas are hotspots for crime, while the most common crime committed in Stellenbosch is theft out of motor vehicles. This is according to Capt Nathalie Martin, communication officer for the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Stellenbosch station.
The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Stellenbosch station featured amongst the top 30 police stations in the country for most crimes reported in a number of categories in the latest crime statistics published by SAPS, which covered the period of October to December 2021. GRAPHIC: Cody Hansen
According to Crime Stats SA, 5 090 crimes were reported in Stellenbosch in 2021. These numbers come from the annual release of crime statistics by SAPS.
Taking precautions
“The best thing you can do is to remain aware of your surroundings wherever you walk. Criminals are always on the lookout for anyone or anything that they can consider to be a ‘soft’ target,” said Cilliers. He recommended avoiding distractions, walking in groups where possible and keeping “your eyes open to things and people around you”.
Martin urged people to be vigilant, and to not walk with their cellphones visible as “suspects see it as an opportunity to rob you”. She encouraged people to not walk alone at night or under the influence of alcohol – rather “call a friend to pick you up”.
The above precautions for people to use to protect themselves while driving or parking their cars were compiled using information provided to MatieMedia by Capt Nathalie Martin, communication officer for the South African Police Service’s Stellenbosch station, and Paul Cilliers, Fidelity ADT Stellenbosch branch manager. GRAPHIC: Cody Hansen
When driving, being cautious and aware of one’s surroundings are once again the key things to remember, according to Cilliers. “Many of the criminal incidents involving motor vehicles or commuters can happen very quickly, even within seconds.”
Student advice
Students should “choose the safest route, even if it is not the shortest”, said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for Stellenbosch University (SU), via written correspondence with MatieMedia. Victoria Street and Bosman Street should be the core of a student’s route on the SU campus as “security officers are on duty in the mobile security kiosks at night”, he said.
Students are advised to make Victoria Street (pictured) and Bosman Street the core of their route on the Stellenbosch campus, as “security officers are on duty in the mobile security kiosks at night.” This is according to Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Cody Hansen
Viljoen urged students to “never walk alone” if they go out at night. He also advised students to avoid isolated areas, especially when exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
“Although the university experienced a downwards trend over the last few years with regard to criminal incidents, the fact that we have an open campus intertwined with the Stellenbosch CBD continues to pose unique challenges,” said Viljoen.
Pictured above are important contact details for various key security and medical services in the town of Stellenbosch. GRAPHIC: Cody Hansen