LÜDERITZ – The community of Lüderitz in partnership with the police are working hand in hand to prevent crime at the harbour town. Most criminal cases reported at Lüderitz involve assault and fistfights, theft and housebreaking, said Inspector Paulus Hamupolo.
Assaults mostly occur during the night at watering holes where drunken patrons brawl.
But the burglary of houses and businesses involve gangs of criminals who are not Lüderitz residents, stated Hamupolo.
He noted that a lot of housebreaking cases were reported this month and thus encouraged homeowners to ensure there is always someone at their house when they leave town.
Hamupolo further advised homeowners to always inform their neighbours about their absence so that neighbours can watch their property in their absence. He said a neighbourhood watch could also promote and enhance a sense of security.
On a positive note crime statistics have shown a decrease when police compare 2014 to 2013.
Below are the crime statistics for Lüderitz:
In January 2013 there were 44 cases reported compared to 36 cases reported in January 2014.
In February 2013 there were 47 criminal cases reported at Lüderitz compared to the 29 cases reported in February this year.
In March 2013, 65 cases were reported to the police compared to the 43 cases reported in March this year.
In April 2013 some 38 cases were reported compared to the 25 cases reported in April at Lüderitz this year.
In May last year 45 cases were reported compared to the 54 cases reported this year indicating an increase. While in June last year 46 cases were reported and in June this year only 41 cases were reported.
In July 2013, 48 cases were reported compared to the 33 reported in July 2014. While in August 2013 some 53 cases were reported to the police at Lüderitz compared to the 46 cases reported in August this year.
Last year in September, 55 cases were reported compared to the 16 reported so far in September in 2014.
One of the major factors contributing to crimes in Lüderitz according to Inspector Hamupolo is alcohol abuse and he warned people involved in the liquor trade to possess liquor licences.
He also urged shebeen owners to refrain from selling alcohol to people who are already drunk and to stop selling liquor on credit.
He said the police would continue to enforce the law without hesitation and he warned those who are on the wrong side of the law that they would face the music.
Meanwhile, Hamupolo lamented the fact that Lüderitz has been without a traffic officer for nearly eight months though he said the police would soon address this issue and recruit a traffic officer.