The Importance of Reporting Crime
Do you ever wonder why you don't see many SAPS patrol vehicles in the Helderberg. Do you know why it sometimes takes 2 to 4 hours to get a SAPS vehicle to a crime scene?
Opening a case docket with SAPS no matter how small the crime can improve this.
In the past few weeks, there have been a number of crimes in the Helderberg like theft, assault, attempted robberies and burglaries whereby victims of the crimes are not opening a case with the Police.
In some instances, the victims say that there is no point opening a case as nothing ever comes from it...in other cases, actual police officials have told the victims that nothing was stolen during the attempted break in or robbery so there is no need to open a case.
This is absolute nonsense as both the victim and SAPS officials are preventing the crime from being registered in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS).
This is exactly why we see very few police patrol vehicles in the Helderberg as the statistics are showing low crime stats in our area as so many crimes are not being registered.
Every single crime, no matter how small needs to have a case registered with SAPS. No SAPS official has the right to say that you don't need to open a case as nothing was taken etc...these officials must be reported with their name and badge number as they are simply trying to avoid paperwork at the end of their shift.
Victims who also think that there is no point to open a case as nothing will happen are also at fault as you are creating a false image of the crime statistics in your area. This is why in some cases, SAPS take 2-4 hours to get a vehicle out to you when you need them as most vehicles are patrolling in high crime areas where most crimes are reported and CAS numbers registered.
To report a crime is free of charge and all the necessary documentation will be completed by a police official.
A case docket will be opened and the crime will be investigated, effect the arrest of suspects and present the case to the courts for prosecution.
When you have been a victim of crime, you can contact the police by dialing 10111 in case of an emergency or going to your nearest police station to report the crime. You can also contact you local security company or Neighbourhood Watch who will assist you.
If police officials attend the crime scene, they will obtain a statement from you and witnesses if possible. The police official will register the case in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) at the police station. The complainant will receive a CAS number via SMS or telephonic that needs to be kept as reference for future enquiries regarding the criminal case.
No matter how small the crime, open a CAS with SAPS, it is your right and your duty as this will ensure that all crimes are registered in the Helderberg, our crime stats will be more accurate and you'll see more Police patrol vehicles in the Helderberg.
