Don’t tamper with a crime scene

JOBURG NORTH – Community is urged to open cases if anything is stolen

Linden Police Station's Captain Alex Vermaak.

Linden Police Station’s Captain Alex Vermaak has urged the community to report any criminal incidents to the police immediately.

He also said the biggest weapon the community has to fight against criminals is vigilance and awareness.

“You do not report a crime to anyone other than the police because the investigation will be carried out by us,” said Vermaak.

“Your service provider will respond to the scene as they are required to when the panic button is pressed. They will be the extra manpower on the ground when the police arrive.”

Reporting a crime can help the police link suspects, and establish the modus operandi that criminals might be using.

Vermaak added that the community must also respect crime scenes and not tamper with evidence that could jeopardise a case.

“In South Africa, a crime scene is police property until we give it over. There is no need for search warrants. We need to gather as much evidence as possible and don’t want to jeopardise the case. Police must be thorough to help administer justice.”

The community is urged to report the crime immediately.

Details: Linden Police Station: 011 888 9299.